Mapua, National U, Xavier gain PSSBC quarterfinals

Mapua whipped National University, 82-64, and towed two others into the quarterfinal round of the 2nd Philippine Secondary School Basketball Championship (PSSBC) Wednesday at SGS gym in Quezon City.

The Red Robins finished the Group A elimination with a 2-2 record and wound up No. 4.  The Bullpups played without UAAP Finals MVP Hubert Cani, who was suspended for one game for committing two unsportsmanlike fouls in a previous match.

Despite the loss, NU also advanced to the crossover final eight along with Xavier School as both schools wound up with 2-2 marks in the tournament sponsored by Jumbo Plastic, Ironcon, MEC Computer, Hapee, Welcoat, Dickies, Wrangler, Ever Bilena, Davies Paint and Spray & Seal Tire Sealant.

Jose Rizal claimed the last quarterfinal berth in Group B by downing De  La Salle-Zobel, 78-64.

NU set up a duel with NCAA champion San Beda at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow at Chiang Kai Shek gym.

Defending champion Hope Christian High School  will go up against Xavier at 12 noon while Ateneo takes on Mapua at 10:30 a.m.

Group A topnotcher San Sebastian College (3-1) battles JRU in the 9 a.m. opener.