Falcons, Bombers, Cardinals boost Sweet 16 drive

ADAMSON, Jose Rizal University and Mapua boosted their bids for a Sweet 16 berth after staying unbeaten in two games in the Metro Manila qualifiers of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League yesterday at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Rookie Jericho Cruz fired 25 points as the Falcons routed Centro Escolar University, 89-70, but Mapua and JRU had to go through the wringer against two varsity titlists to stay perfect in the three-day event where two Sweet 16 slots are at stake.

The Cardinals nipped Philippine Merchant Marine School, 74-70, with Gab Banal topscoring with 21 and Joseph Eriobu burying eight of his 13 points in the final quarter.

Romnick Mendoza knocked in nine of his 17 points in the fourth period as the Bombers downed St. Clare, 78-71.

Philip Paniamogan and John Lopez added 16 markers each for the Bombers.

Meanwhile, University of the East bounced back with an 82-74 triumph over St. Francis of Assisi.

Roi Sumang shot 13 points and Adrian Santos and Erwin Duran added 12 each to pace the Warriors, who yielded to St. Clare, 79-81, on opening day.

In San Fernando, La Union, La Finns Scholastica tripped Lyceum of Subic Bay, 87-83, to rule the North-Central Luzon regional qualifiers and clinch a spot in the Sweet 16.

The scores:

First Game

ADAMSON 89—Cruz 25, Cabrera 18, Camson 12, Rios 8, Trollano 6, Bernabe 5, Brondial 4, Monteclaro 4, Abrigo 2, Julkipli 3, Cabigas 2.

CEU 70—Jeruta 13, Parale 11, Panchito 9, De Leon 8. Pagkatipunan 7, Opiso 6, Banua 6, Lamosa 5, Batino 2, Guillen 2, Magbitang 1.

Quarters: 25-18, 50-27, 65-48, 89-70

Second Game

MAPUA 74—Banal 21, Ighalo 16, Eriobu 13, Parala 9, Nimes 8, Cantos 4, Saitanan 2, Layug 1.

PMMS 70—Moradas 19, Reverente 11, Yagunia 11, Trinidad 9, Pajimola 8, Chan 3, Manlutac 3, Quilatan 2, Dubulos 2, Maligon 2.

Quarters: 19-19, 33-40, 53-54, 74-70