CEU tops Group B; DLSU gains q’finals

CENTRO Escolar University emerged as the top seed even as La Salle claimed the last quarterfinal berth after posting separate wins in Group B of the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup Saturday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Rodrigue Ebondo pumped in 18 points as the Scorpions dismantled Southwestern University, 85-76, to rule their group with a 7-1 record.

Jeron Teng buried the game-winning layup and Thomas Torres also sizzled with 26 points to power the Green Archers past University of Santo Thomas in an 84-82 thriller on the last day of eliminations.

In other matches, San Beda nipped University of the East, 80-77, to claim the second seed in Group B, while Perpetual Help trounced National University, 86-76, to likewise finish at No. 2 in Group A.

Although San Beda, La Salle and UE wound up with similar 6-2 slates, the Lions were ranked higher due to a superior quotient.

Torres drilled 10 straight points that kept the Archers up, 80-77, after the Tigers rallied from a double-digit deficit, 65-76.

Ed Daquioag fired a triple that tied the game at 82 with 6.5 seconds left, before Teng knocked in the decider.

Art dela Cruz fired 17 points, including a key layup that gave the Lions a 77-74 cushion.