Warriors, Brahmans oust PCCL foes

UNIVERSITY of the East and University of Batangas knocked out separate opponents yesterday to advance in the stepladder Sweet 16 of the Luzon-Metro Manila division in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL).

Roi Sumang and Dan Alberto buried the clutch baskets that lifted the Warriors past the pesky Centro Escolar University, 85-77, in the second game of a double-header at First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (Faith) gym at Tanauan City, Batangas.

The UB Brahmans staged a huge turnaround in the second half for an 88-81 victory over Lyceum of Subic Bay.

Kevin Paulo Medrano poured in 22 points to power the Brahmans, who dropped a 22-0 bomb in the third period to grab the lead, 53-43, after trailing at 31-43.

The Warriors and the Brahmans square off at 2 p.m. today at Faith gym, with the winner advancing against the survivor of the 4 p.m. battle between National U and Perpetual Help.

The UAAP’s Bulldogs and the NCAA’s Altas earlier earned outright slots in the Sweet 16 after finishing fourth in their respective leagues.

Bong Galanza topscored with 21 in the Warriors’ win over the Scorpions.

Although scoreless in the first half, Sumang came back by dropping eight of the Warriors’ first 12 points in the final quarter for a 76-71 lead after the Scorpions pulled within 64-62.

Alberto also nailed key baskets in the fourth quarter, the last on a three-pointer with 16 seconds left, as the Scorpions threatened anew at 82-77.