Blue Thunder, Stallions keep semis hopes alive

MANILA, Philippines - Rizal Technological University and Trinity University of Asia beat their rivals in contrasting fashions to boost their semifinal bids in the 13th Universities and Colleges Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the Central Colleges of the Philippines gym in Sta. Mesa last Tuesday.

Rennel Montecillo fired 19 points as the RTU Blue Thunder rallied from 19 points down to turn back the Manuel L. Quezon U side, 80-60, while the TUA Stallions notched its second straight win with an 80-51 rout of the Philippine Nautical Training College five.

The victories kept RTU and TUA in the semis hunt with the former improving to 7-2 and the latter posting its sixth win against three losses.

Olivarez College paces the field with a 7-1 mark.

The Blue Thunder leaned on their outside shooting in the third period to bounce back from a 19-point deficit at the half with Montecillo hitting three triples in the third.

Roque Estoce then took over in the fourth as RTU pulled away for good to post a 20-point romp.