NU, Perpetual Help set up finals clash in Fr. Martin Cup

MANILA, Philippines — National University barged back into the finals while University of the Perpetual Help booked a championship ticket after a long drought in the 19th Fr. Martin Summer Cup basketball tournament.

Alfred Aroga and Emmanuel Mbe stepped up in the absence of star Ray Parks as they chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively, for the Bulldogs in stopping University of the Philippines, 67-63.

The Altas, meanwhile, hung tough down the stretch to defeat Adamson, 57-54, and earn their first ever finals stint in a pre-season tournament in seven years.

Perpetual Help fended off a late rally by Jericho Cruz and Ingrid Sewa and the Falcons, who even gained the lead, 51-50, in the payoff period.

NU, buoyed by its eight-game win streak, and Perpetual Help will meet on Sunday at the Trinity University gym in Cubao to fight for the championship.

Parks, who is recovering from an ankle injury, watched from the stands as guards Mark de Guzman and Cedrick Labingisa sank crucial baskets in the last 90 seconds, and got NU past a 63-all deadlock.