Bulldogs, Altas dispute Martin Cup crown

MANILA, Philippines - National U and Perpetual Help turned back their respective rivals to arrange a showdown for the 19th Fr. Martin Summer Cup basketball crown at the Trinity University of Asia gym in QC last Thursday.

The Bulldogs leaned on Alfred Aroga and Emmanuel Mbe, who stepped up in the absence of injured top gunner Bobby Ray Parks Jr., as they fashioned out a 67-63 victory over the UP Maroons.

Aroga finished with 14 points while Mbe imposed his will inside and pumped in 12 markers for the Bulldogs, who posted their eighth consecutive victory.

The Altas, meanwhile, held off the rallying Adamson Falcons and hacked out a 57-54 win to earn their first-ever finals stint in a pre-season tournament in seven years.

The Bulldogs and the Altas dispute the crown starting at 11 a.m. tomorrow, also at the TUA gym.

In junior play, Letran drew 18 points from Ivan Villanueva as the Squires thwarted the Xavier School side, 70-66, to advance to the finals against the San Beda Red Cubs.

The Taytay-based squad blasted the La Salle-Zobel quintet, 74-63, as Ranbill Tongco fired 14 points.

In women’s division, La Salle got 14 points from Inna Corcuera as the Lady Archers toppled the Fatima U side to set a title duel with the Far Eastern U Lady Tams.

With Parks, sidelined by an ankle injury, watching from the sideline, Mark de Guzman and Cedrick Labing Isa made crucial baskets in the last 90 seconds as the Bulldogs broke away from a tight 63-all count to prevail.