Bullpups, Cubs clash for PSSBC-Freego Cup crown

MANILA, Philippines — As expected the best from the UAAP and NCAA will fight it out for the eighth PSSBC-Freego Cup championship after beating their respective semis rivals with ease Wednesday at the SGS Stadium in Quezon City.

The National University Bullpups, the reigning UAAP champions, got a double-double performance from Batang Gilas veteran Carl Tamayo and steamrollered past the Ateneo Eaglets, 93-66, to move within a win from becoming the first school to win back-to-back titles in the event dubbed as Tournament of Champions.

Meanwhile, the San Beda Red Cubs, the NCAA champs, crushed the Far Eastern U Baby Tamaraws, 103-76, in a win that likewise pushed them within a victory of becoming the first three-time winner of the event presented by Freego.

The winner in the NU-SBU showdown earns the top prize of P50,000 in the event sponsored by Happy Toothpaste, Poly-Gloss, IronCon Builders, Macbeth Underwear, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, MEC Networks and Blackwater Sports.

“Expect early fireworks because these teams have statements to make and a tradition to protect,” said PSSBC chairman and Freego big boss Eduard Tio. “You’re going to love this game.”

With Tamayo imposing his will inside, he produced 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the field apart from grabbing 10 boards in just 16 minutes of play as the Bullpups roared to a commanding 55-29 halftime advantage.

That was enough to disarm the Eaglets who finished with a paltry 25-of-78 shooting.

The Red Cubs, meantime, came through with a huge second-quarter attack that saw them outscore the Baby Tamaraws, 35-18, to pull away for good.

Justine Sanchez played for a little over 16 minutes off the bench but still topscored for the Manu Iñigo-mentored SBU with 24 points on a perfect 8-of-8 shooting, including two from the 3-point zone.

He was ably supported by former NU star Rhayyan Amsali who contributed 15 points and six boards.