Even minus its go-to guy, Far Eastern U bundled out Group B topnotcher Centro Escolar University, 73-68, to advance to the Final Four of the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Group A leader Jose Rizal University, though, sustained its surprise run to overpower University of the East, 76-67, and likewise advance to the semifinals against San Beda.
“It’s a big achievement for us because nobody expected us to be here,” said JRU coach Vergel Meneses. “I emphasized that we are here not because of our talent, but because of our defense, hustle and aggressiveness.”
Jason Perkins buried an undergoal stab with six-tenths of a second left as La Salle slipped past Perpetual Help, 81-79, to arrange a semifinal duel versus the Tamaraws.
The Red Lions, meanwhile, nearly blew a 20-point advantage in the fourth quarter before holding off Letran, 75-72.