NATIONAL University pulled off a thrilling escape as University of the East also survived a tough challenge from a provincial squad in a pair of Sweet 16 duels yesterday in the Luzon-Metro Manila division of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL).
Ray Parks came through at crunch time as the Bulldogs slipped past Perpetual Help, 70-67, to advance in the tournament’s stepladder stage at First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities gym in Tanauan City.
Parks knocked in the Bulldogs’ final five points inside the last 23 seconds, all from the foul line, to finish with a game-high 24 points on top of eight rebounds.
UE, meanwhile, blew a double-digit advantage against University of Batangas before Roi Sumang took over to power the Warriors to an 81-60 triumph.
Sumang fired 19 points to lead the Warriors, who blew a 42-20 halftime advantage as the Brahmans staged a blistering run in the second half to wrest the lead at 53-51.
Regaining their focus on both ends, the Warriors held the Brahmans to just seven points in the final quarter.
The Warriors and the Bulldogs battle at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Before nailing the pressure-packed free throws, Parks dished out a key assist to Robin Roño, who nailed a triple that gave the Bulldogs the lead, 65-64, with just 45 seconds left.
Parks dedicated the win to his late father Bobby Parks as the game also fell on the birthday of the seven-time PBA Best Import, who passed away last March.