Mapua flies high; DLSZ, Letran gain quarterfinal berths

MANILA, Philippines —MAPUA sustained its amazing winning streak by downing UAAP titlist National University in their crossover showdown, 66-65, while Letran and De La Salle-Zobel secured the last two quarterfinal berths in the PCABL (Philippine Chinese Amateur Basketball League) 7th Freego Cup over the weekend at the Philippine Buddhacare Academy gym in Quezon City.

Daniel Aguirre led Mapua’s well-balanced attack with 15 points while David Velvez scattered seven of his 13 points in the payoff period as the Red Robins topped the Group B eliminations with a 7-0 record.

The Red Robins also got decent numbers from Sherwin Concepcion and Lourence Victoria to remain the only undefeated team heading into the next round of the tournament presented by Freego.

The Letran Squires clinched the last quarterfinal berth in Group A by downing the San Sebastian Staglets, 69-64, while the La Salle Junior Archers edged the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers in a pulsating match, 66-65, to book their quarterfinal slots in Group B.

Multititled Chiang Kai Shek College emerged No. 1 in Group A by trouncing Ateneo, 81-66, in the tournament also sponsored by Smart Telecom, Fresh Gear (FG), Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Colt Commercial, K Tech Sports, Insular Square of Cebu and Cebu Pioneer Auto Supply.

The Dragons finished with a 6-1 record followed by NU (5-2), Far Eastern U (4-3) and Letran (4-3).

Ateneo settled for second behind Mapua with a 5-2 card followed by Adamson (5-2) and La Salle (4-3).

In the quarterfinals, Mapua battles Letran, CKSC takes on La Salle, FEU battles Ateneo and Adamson faces National U.