Seagulls firm up twice-to-beat bid

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Cultural College stayed in the hunt for a twice-to-beat quarterfinal playoff berth with an 82-60 victory over winless Uno High School in the fourth Philippine Ching Yuen Athletic Association (PCYAA) Juniors basketball tournament at the Uno High School gym.

The Seagulls leaned on another big game from Daniel Manalang to end a two-game slide in the tournament sponsored by Spalding, Pro Line, Octoboy and Summit Water.

Manalang was again dominant on both ends as he produced 20 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocked shots against the 0-4 Uneans.

A win over Makati Gospel Church-New Life Christian Academy (3-1) in its final elimination-round assignment on Saturday will assure PCC of a top-four seed along with a twice-to-beat advantage over its opponent in the eight-team quarterfinals.

In juniors division, two-time defending titlist Saint Jude Catholic School hiked its record to 4-1 with a 61-55 win over Grace Christian College.