Perpetual, UP hurdle foes as Fr. Martin Cup resumes

MANILA, Philippines – The University of Perpetual Help-A Altas and the University of the Philippines Maroons dispatched their respective foes Sunday in the resumption of hostilities in the 10th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup Basketball tournament at the Trinity University of Asia gymnasium in Quezon City.

Cameroonians Akhuetie Bright and Prince Eze fired 14 and 13 points to power the Altas to an 80-59 stopping of the Lyceum Philippines University-A Pirates.

Mikee Reyes drilled in 25 points for the Rey Madrid-coached UP Maroons, who frustrated the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 61-55.

The Altas picked up their second straight win in Group B while the Maroons bounced back from a 74-76 loss to the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers.

This allowed the UP Maroons to hike their record to two wins and two setbacks also in Group B.

Commissioner Robert de la Rosa said the top four finishers in the two brackets with make it to the quarterfinal round of this cagefest, which is supported by Twin Towers Bakery.

In other matches, Jeremiah Taladua banged in 10 points for the LPU-B Pirates as they won over University of Perpetual Help-B, 57-40.

Candice Magdaluyo and Maica Cortes had 14 points apiece for the UST Tigresses, who walloped the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 67-56.

Eze struck hard in the first period, making eight points to lead the Altas to a 23-13 advantage.

Justine Alano joined hands with Bright for 10 as the Altas widened their lead, 41-25, at halftime.

Repeated attacks from Reyes in the last 44 seconds of the third canto allowed the Maroons to take charge, 47-35, before the fourth quarter got under way.