Squires gain Jr. Champs Last 8; CKSC bests Xavier

LETRAN clinched the eighth and last quarterfinal berth by downing National University, 81-65, while Chiang Kai Shek College outlasted Xavier School in a marquee showdown in the 1st Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) Sunday at Chiang Kai Shek College gym in Manila.

Rey Nambatac, one of the most-sought after college prospects, put on another solid all-around performance as the Squires snapped a three-game losing run to secure the last ticket to the knockout quarterfinal stage set on Sunday.

It was a disappointing show for the Bullpups who were favored to win but crumbled in the face of Nambatac’s red-hot shooting in their Group B showdown.

In the most-awaited showdown between fierce Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA) rivals, the Blue Dragons proved to be the steadier squad as they outlasted the Golden Stallions, 68-57.

With their third straight win, the Dragons topped Group A with a 3-1 card followed by San Sebastian (2-2) and Xavier (2-2). FEU also finished with a 2-2 card but had an inferior quotient.

Meantime, Thirdy Ravena shone as also-ran Ateneo ended its campaign with a flourish by downing the Staglets, 65-62, for its first win in four games in the 10-team tournament.

Hope Christian wound up second in Group B by crushing University of Santo Tomas in the tournament sponsored by Dickies Underwear, MEC Networks, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Blackwater Sports, Wrangler, Welcoat House Paints, Ironcon Builders and Hapee Toothpaste.

San Beda, the reigning and 20-time NCAA champion, swept the Group B eliminations Saturday and will face No. 4 Far Eastern University in an intriguing quarterfinal clash.

In other pairings, CKSC takes on Letran, Hope Christian battles Xavier and SSC takes on UST. The championship match will be aired on Basketball TV through BonChon Chicken and Davies Paints.