Naascu: Fatima five bests Earist, gains top 4

Fatima strengthened its campaign for the quarterfinals after a 96-83 victory over Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology Friday in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (Naascu) men’s basketball at RTU Gym.

The Phoenix climbed to fourth place with their sixth win in nine matches while handing the Red Fox their ninth defeat in 10 outings.

Miguel Cabrera unloaded 10 of his 18 points in the second quarter to lead Fatima, which overcame a sluggish start and launched a 29-point second period.

Jess Pedrosa and Joseph Marquez combined for 26 points for Fatima while Chris Essomba had eight points and
10 rebounds.

Bryann Hilario and Dan Natividad scored 21 points each for Earist.

Earlier, Philippine Merchant Marine School escaped with an 81-80 win over Philippine Christian to bolster its bid for the quarterfinals.

Donmark Matillano came through with a basket in the final four seconds to bail out the Mariners who improved to 3-4.

Manuel Luis Quezon U downed City University of Pasay, 91-85, in another game.

The top eight teams after the elimination will advance to the quarterfinals, with only the bottom four slugging it out in a playoff.

The top two after the playoffs will then challenge the No. 3 and 4 teams, which carry twice-to-beat advantages. Winners take on No. 1 and No. 2, needing to win twice to make the finals.