Red Robins, Dragons rip PSSBC foes; Tams score

MAPUA, Far Eastern University and Chiang Kai Shek College pulled off contrasting wins to sweep their respective group assignments at the close of the elimination round of the 3rd Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) Ironcon Builders Cup Wednesday at SGS gym in Quezon City.

With Sherwin Concepcion and Daniel Aguirre displaying near flawless shooting, the Mapua Red Robins raced to a 14-point first quarter lead en route to a 61-51 win over the Xavier School Stallions in Group C action.

Concepcion and Aguirre scored 14 points each to highlight the well-balanced attack of Mapua, the NCAA runner-up.

FEU and CKSC also completed a two-game sweep in their groups.

The Baby Tamaraws beat the Jose Rizal U Light Bombers in overtime, 75-67, in Group B, while the CKSC Blue Dragons dispatch defending champion San Sebastian College Staglets, 106-87, in Group A.

San Beda College, the winningest NCAA team with 21 titles, earlier topped Group D by downing University of the Philippines and Hope Christian High School.

Hope completed the quarterfinal cast in the tournament sponsored by Ever Bilena-Blackwater, Dickies Underwear, MEC Computers, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Hapee Toothpaste, Freego, and Rain or Shine following a 91-74 drubbing of UP.

Behind by 14 points midway in the third, the Baby Tamaraws wheeled back into the game through the inspired plays of Marvin Lee and Chris Fajarito. The two combined for 32 points, including crucial baskets early in overtime that helped complete their comeback.

Fran Yu led CKSC with 27 points.

CKSC arranged a quarterfinal showdown with long-time rival Xavier in the next round.

“It’s going to be an explosive showdown because the two teams have a storied rivalry ,” said Dickies’ Rudy Yu, one of the PSSBC governors.

NU and Mapua tangle in another last eight match.