Alejandro stars as NU routs PATTS in PCCL

Games Saturday

(Faith Gym, Tanauan City)

2 p.m. – Mapua vs St. Claire

4 p.m. – Jose Rizal vs NU

MANILA, Philippines – Jay-J Alejandro went on a shooting rampage as he powered National University to a merciless 99-51 victory over an over-matched PATTS College to boost its chance for a berth in the Elite Eight of the National Collegiate Championship at the Technological Institute of the Philippines Gym in Quiapo on Thursday.

Alejandro unleashed a game-high 25 points after missing just one of his eight shots and making all of his five 3-pointers and four free throws and spiked his spectacular offensive game with five assists and a steal.

So impressive was the former national youth team standout that he did it in just a little over 22 minutes.

"It was a big game for us because some of our seniors did not play to let the younger guys a chance," said Alejandro, who was referring to team captain Gelo Alolino as one of the veteran guys who skipped this annual tournament.

After a sluggish opening quarter, the Bulldogs made their move in the second period and outscored the Sea Horses, 25-13, to erect a 44-27 halftime lead.

NU was even meaner in the second half when it led by as much as 52 points to hammer out the win that underscored its title bid.

NU coach Eric Altamirano went deep into his roster and fielded all 16 of his players with only one ending up scoreless.

The humiliating loss sent PATTS, who topped the Inter-Scholastic Athletic Association to book its spot here, to its second defeat and out of the race.

The Sea Horses fell to the Jose Rizal Bombers, 63-90, the day before.

The scores:

NU 99 – Alejandro 25, Diputado 10, Rangel 9, Yu 9, Abatayo 7, Aquino 6, Aroga 5, Pate 5, de Castro 5, Gallego 4, Morido 4, Cinco 4, Tanciangco 3, Salem 2, Salim 1, Lastimosa 0

PATTS 51 – Reed 13, Diaz 7, Velasco 7, Cayson 7, Fandalian 6, Calubag 5, Capinding 2, Orada 2, Borja 2, Beltran 0, Loyola 0, Noble 0, Pimentel 0

Quarterscores: 19-14, 44-27; 73-37; 99-51