ST. BENILDE surpassed even its coach’s expectations as it downed Jose Rizal U, 67-63, yesterday to barge into the quarterfinals even as San Sebastian clinched the No. 2 spot in Group A of the FIloil Flying V Preseason Hanes Cup.
The Stags leaned on a strong showing from NCAA Most Valuable Player Calvin Abueva to score an 81-70 victory over the Far Eastern U Tamaraws, who were relegated to third spot and a showdown with Ateneo in the quarterfinals.
Playing with reckless abandon, the Blazers built enough cushion to stave off a late rally by the Bombers to set up a quarterfinal duel with NCAA champion San Beda.
Carlo Lastimosa finished with 13 points and dished out eight assists as the Blazers finished with an even 4-4 record to claim the last berth in Group B.
“We didn’t expect to make it to the quarterfinals,” said St. Benilde coach Richard del Rosario. “We are only trying to improve our game and winning games are a bonus for us.”
Adamson, already out of the running for a slot in the quarters, ripped Arellano, 79-59.
Later, University of the East dumped University of the Philippines, 72-62, to finish the tournament with a 3-5 record. The Fighting Maroons fell to 1-6.
The Scores:
First Game
ST. BENILDE 67—C. Lastimosa 13, Grey 12, Tan 8, Tolentino 7, Romero 6, Sinco 5, Bartolo 4, Maconocido 4, Dela Paz 4, Deles 2, Garcia 2, Ongteco 0, Taha 0, Altamirano 0.
JRU 63—Mabulac 15, Lopez 12, Almario 8, Monserat 7, Matute 6, Dela Paz 5, Maconocido 5, Mendoza 3, Villarias 2, Salaveria 0, Camasura 0, Carampil 0.
Quarters: 17-14, 40-29, 55-44, 67-63
Second Game
ADAMSON 79—Camson 16, Cruz 14, Brondial 12, Cabrera 12, Trollano 8, Petilos 5, Rios 4, Etrone 3, Cabigas 3, Julkipli 1, Nuyles 1, Abrigo 0, Monteclaro 0, Bernabe 0, Agustin 0, Olalia 0.
ARELLANO 59—Pinto 17, Hernandez 14, Acidre 6, Salcedo 5, Caperal 4, Bangga 4, Malanday 3, Ciriacruz 2, Cadavis 2, Suarez 2, Lunas 0, Valera 0, Palma 0, Casino 0.
Quarters: 27-11, 46-21, 66-40, 79-59