Red Lions, Pirates book q'final seats

MANILA, Philippines - The defending champion San Beda Red Lions and the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates booked for themselves the last two quarterfinal seats last Saturday in Group A of the 8th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup basketball tournament.

The Red Lions came up with their fourth win in five games by forfeiture after the Mapua Cardinals conceded a fight-marred encounter, and with the score tied at 64-all at the St.Placid gymnasium inside the San Beda College campus in Mendiola, Manila.

The LPU Pirates limited the Trinity University of Asia Stallions to just six points, and prevailed, 66-57, to grab the fourth quarterfinals berth with their 4-2 win-loss record.

The Cardinals were on the offensive when Red Lions cager Julius Armon got into a scuffle with Mapua ballhandler Jonathan Banal following some trash-talking and an interception play at the midcourt, and this led to a bench clearing incident in the last 3:22.

As the referees ejected most the of the players who entered the court during the incident, Cardinals coach Chito Victolero decided to forfeit the game upon learning that only four of his players will be able to play, while San Beda will still have six who can see action.

The Frankie Lim-coached Red Lions and the Pirates will now be able to join two earlier Group A qualifiers, the  National University Bulldogs (6-0) and the Arellano University Chiefs (4-1),  in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, Kevin Alas banged in 20 points as the Letran Knights put away fellow Group B quarterfinals qualifier, the University of the East Warriors, 85-72, to sweep their six-game Group B assignment.

In the women’s action, the Adamson Lady Falcons blasted the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers, 85-65  claimed an outright semifinals via a five-game sweep.            

The trio of Snow Penaranda, Jinky Balastra and Angel Ortega joined for 47 points for the Lady Falcons.