MANILA, Philippines -- The National University Bulldogs and the Letran Squires prevailed over separate rivals Monday and moved closer to claiming the top semifinals slots of their respective divisions in the 19th Fr. Martin Summer Cup basketball tournament.
The Bulldogs, once again relying on the hot hands of Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and JJ Alejandro, swamped the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 71-60, in senior division contest at the Trinity University of Asia gymnasium in Quezon City.
The Squires, led by Ivan Villanueva, demolished the Emilio Aguinaldo-Cavite Brigadiers, 68-48, in the junior side.
Both the Bulldogs and the Squires marched to their sixth straight wins, with NU staying on top of Group A of the senior division, while Letran is unbeaten in Group B.
In other matches, the RP national youth drew 14 points from Miko de la Cruz as they walloped PATTS College of Aeronautics, 75-58, last Sunday. Grevalli Publico made 26 points as the Informatics Icons won over the RP Youth side, 76-62, the following day.
Parks, who led with 17 points, alternated with Alejandro in scoring crucial baskets in the first half, and their efforts helped NU stay on course to second finals stint since 2011, according to commissioner Robert de la Rosa.
The six-foot Parks unloaded nine points in the first period as Bulldogs took an 18-9 edge in the first period.
Alejandro hit all of his eight points in the second canto, and his baskets carried the Bulldogs to a 38-26 halftime advantage.
The Bulldogs are now a win away of finishing the eliminations with a seven-game sweep.