Bulldogs rise to top; Knights up

National University overwhelmed an inferior Emilio Aguinaldo College crew, 74-52, yesterday to grab a piece of the lead in Group A of the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup.

The Bulldogs, the reigning UAAP champions, banked on a strong start anchored on guards Reden Celda, Jay Alejandro and Paolo Javelona on the way to a 22-point whipping of the Generals in the second game at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Letran, though, spoiled Jose Rizal U’s bid to keep pace with the leaders as the Knights hacked out a 58-52 decision in the other game.

Mark Cruz sparked a fourth-quarter charge as the Knights improved to 3-2.

In Group B, Lyceum drew 12 points apiece from Joseph Gabayni and Paul Soliman to trip University of the Philippines, 70-65.

Dexter Zamora also nailed two buffer free throws that sealed the Pirates’ breakthrough win after the rallying Maroons had threatened within three, 68-65, with just 9.4 seconds left.

The scores:

First Game

LYCEUM 70—Soliman 12, Gabayni 10, Zamora 9, Bulawan 8, Taladua 6, Mbida 6, Nguidjol 5, Alanes 5, Baltazar 4, Marata 2, Sunga 2, Caduyac 1, Malabanan 0, Magbuhos 0

UP 65—Lim 16, Desiderio 15, Jaboneta 10, Asilum 8, Gallarza 5, Amar 4, Tekoudjjou 4, Romero 2, Dario 1, Vito 0, Webb 0, Harris 0, Longa 0

Quarters: 15-14, 34-32, 49-42, 70-65

Second Game

NU 74—Celda 13, Gaye 11, Javelona 11, Alejandro 9, Alolino 7, Diputado 6, Tansingco 4, De Castro 3, Abatayo 2, Salim 2, Javillonar 2, Rangel 2, Neypes 1, Morido 1, Senining 0

EAC 52—Munsayac 9, Mbang 7, Onwubere 6, Diego 6, Laminou 5, Morada 5, Esplana 5, Pascual 5, Corilla 2, Pascua 2, Saludo 2, Estacio 0, General 0, Indin 0, Mejos 0, Aderes 0

Quarters: 14-15, 40-23, 55-37, 74-52