Altas, Lions, Tigers keep semis hopes alive in Fr. Martin cagefest

MANILA, Philippines – The University of Perpetual Help-A Altas, the San Beda Red Lions and the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers held off their foes last Sunday to stay in contention for semifinal berths in the ongoing the 10th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup basketball tournament.

Earl Thompson tallied 14 points and Crispin Elopre provided 11 points for the Altas as they frustrated the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 66-55, at the Arellano University gym in Legarda, Manila.

They stayed unbeaten after four games, and this kept them in the solo lead of Group B.

Meanwhile, The Growling Tigers (3-3) picked up their second consecutive triumph in the another Group B match, surviving a the Far Eastern University-B Tamaraws, 83-79.

Kevin Ferrer dropped 19 points while Ed Daquioag and Karim Abdul added 15 each for the Tigers.

Francis Abarcar eked out 15 points for the San Beda Red Lions, who waylaid the Lyceum Philippines University-B Pirates, 67-60, and improved to 4- in Group A.

Ara Abaca tallied 18 points for the La Salle Lady Archers as they won over the UST Tigresses, 65-55, in the women’s side.

Commissioner Robert de la Rosa said the top four finishers in the two brackets have a chance of reaching the quarterfinal round of this cagefest, which is supported by Twin Towers Bakery.