NATIONAL University completed a Group A sweep with a dominant 71-52 triumph over University of the Philippines in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup yesterday at Filoil Flying V Arena.
Ray Parks (15 points) and Alfred Aroga (14 points and 10 rebounds) led a balanced charge for the Bulldogs, who jumped to a 21-7 start on the way to an eighth straight victory.
NU coach Eric Altamirano said, though, that matching their 11-0 title romp last year isn’t the Bulldogs’ main goal.
“We’re focused on getting better and finding ways to improve,” said Altamirano.
In Group B, La Salle also cruised to a 91-63 blowout victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College to clinch a quarterfinal berth, while Letran boosted its own chances with a 77-72 tripping of Lyceum.
Rookie Jason Perkins posted a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Jeron Teng (11 points) also helped the Green Archers stretch their perfect run to five.
“I thought we moved the ball well,” said Perkins as the Archers edged the Generals, 17-6, on assists.
Another hotshot freshman led Letran as Rey Nambatac drilled 16 points for the Knights, who survived a late Lyceum rally that saw their 15-point lead, 73-58, go down to just four, 76-72.
The Knights improved to 4-3 despite the absence of star center Raymond Almazan, who sat out due to a calf injury. UP, Lyceum and EAC all remained winless in five outings. With reports from Nico Pascual, Carla Perez, Nikka Valenzuela
The scores:
First Game
LETRAN 77—Nambatac 16, Luib 11, Dysam 10, Publico 9, Cruz 7, Oluto 6, Ruaya 5, Tambeling 3, Castro 3, Almario 1, Po 1, Requero 0.
LYCEUM 72—Zamora 17, Evangelista 13, Lesmoras 10, Asores 9, Taladua 6, Lacastesantos 6, Ko 6, Mendoza 4, Soliman 1, Francisco 0, Garcia 0, Edora 0.
Quarters: 16-22, 32-34, 56-50, 77-72
Second Game
LA SALLE 91—Perkins 20, Teng 11, Torres N. 10, Tampus 10, Bolick 9, Montalbo 9, Van Opstal 8, Herrera 7, Paredes 3, Torres T. 2, Dela Paz 2, Reyes G. 0, Reyes M. 0.
EAC 63—Happi 14, Jamon 14, Arquero 9, Munsayac 6, Mangga 6, Onwubere 5, Paguia 4, Santos 3,Mejos 2, King 0, Monteclaro 0, Saludo 0.
Quarters: 26-14, 47-37, 66-50, 91-63
Third Game
NU 71—Parks 15, Aroga 14, Javillonar 12, Villamor 7, Neypes 6, Alejandro 5, Alolino 4, Roño 3, Rosario 2, Khobuntin 2, De Guzman 1,
UP 52—Soyud 14, Marata 12, Lao 6, Ball 4, Desiderio 4, Wong 3, Asilum 2, Reyes 2, Gallarza 2, Suarez 2, Amar 1, Gingerich 0, Ligad 0, Pascual 0, Paras 0, Harris 0.
Quarters: 21-7, 34-16, 55-35, 71-52