National U makes Fr. Martin Summer Cup semis

MANILA, Philippines — National University Bulldogs barged into the semifinals on top of a seven-game sweep of group A of the 9th Fr. Martin Summer Cup on Thursday at the Arellano gym in Manila.

Emmanuel Mbe, whose return gives the already-formidable Bulldogs a good boost, teamed up with Ray Parks in ousting University of Perpetual Help, 63-54.

Mbe tallied a game-high 21 points for NU, which has been superb in the pre-season tournament as it secured the first semifinals berth in its bracket.

Parks, meanwhile, unloaded 18 points for the Bulldogs, including 10 in the pivotal third period where they turned the Altas’ 33-32 halftime edge to 50-43 lead at the end of the third quarter.

In 2011, Parks also powered NU past Mapua to clinch the championship.

Earlier, Informatics drew 28 points from RK Morales as it dealt University of the Philippines its second straight setback, 66-56, in Group B.

While the Icons concluded their assignments with a 4-3 card, the Maroons — who absorbed a frustrating 67-68 setback versus Adamson last Tuesday — nonetheless stayed alive with a 4-2 card.