NCAA squads Lyceum and Jose Rizal U remained unbeaten, while National U battled back from an early deficit to stun Arellano Friday night in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup in San Juan.
The Pirates turned back the University of the East Warriors, 96-80, for their third straight victory—a feat later matched by the Heavy Bombers, who thumped the Letran Knights, 82-74.
Adamson also prevailed over Mapua, 74-68, while the Bulldogs toppled the Chiefs, 82-79.
The Bulldogs rallied from 37-52 down in the third period, using a 26-5 run to seize control down the stretch.
“We decided we need to up the energy,” said NU coach Jamike Jarin. “Arellano comes with a lot of energy so we had to match their energy. It was evident that in the third quarter we got that energy and we got the lead.”
CJ Perez shot 14 points to lead five other Pirates in twin digits as Lyceum continued its hot start to the tournament that had already included a narrow win over Ateneo.
With Tey Teodoro rested in the final period, Mark dela Virgen, Gio Lasquety and Darius Estrella joined forces to boost the Bombers past the winless Knights.