MANILA, Philippines - Multi-titled Chiang Kai Shek College and Mapua turned back their respective rivals to advance to the quarterfinals of the PCABL (Philippine Chinese Amateur Basketball League) seventh Freego Cup at the Phil. Buddhacare Academy gym in Quezon City yesterday.
The CKSC Dragons, seeking to add the PCABL crown to their trophy collection, leaned on Fran Yu and Moh Ascano to beat the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers, 71-60, and keep the solo lead in Group A elims with a 4-0 card.
Ascano sizzled for 17 points while Yu and JV Gallego chipped in 16 and 11 markers, respectively, as the Dragons stayed undefeated since winning the NBTC title last March.
The Mapua Red Robins, on the other hand, went to David Velvez and Sherwin Concepcion at crunchtime to slip past La Salle-Zobel, 71-68, and tie Ateneo for Group B lead in the event presented by Freego.
It was the second straight defeat for La Salle after a 2-0 start. They also suffered a stinging 59-56 loss to the Adamson side last Thursday in the tournament backed by Smart Telecom, Fresh Gear (FG), Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Colt Commercial, K Tech Sports, Insular Square of Cebu and Cebu Pioneer Auto Supply.
Meantime, the Eaglets posted their fourth straight win in as many outings by whipping the University of the Philippines Junior Maroons, 89-70.