Falcons, Heavy Bombers complete ‘Sweet 16’ cast
Adamson and Jose Rizal University completed the Sweet 16 cast after topping the Metro Manila qualifiers of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League Thursday at Filoil Flying V Arena.
Jericho Cruz posted 20 points and eight assists as the Falcons downed Mapua, 88-79, for a 3-0 sweep of Group A.
Roider Cabrera and Raouf Julkipli, who combined for seven of Adamson’s 13 triples, also helped the Falcons build a 20-point cushion, 55-35, at halftime.
The Bombers had a tougher time before dispatching University of the East with a double-overtime decision, 104-99, to sweep Group B.
Byron Villarias exploded for 35 points, while John Lopez and Jordan dela Paz unloaded the clutch baskets for the Heavy Bombers late in the second extra period.
The Warriors, whose chance to advance to the Sweet 16 on a superior quotient hinges on a five-point win over the Bombers, deliberately missed their free throws in the closing seconds to force overtime twice rather than win the game by a slim margin.
The Falcons and the Bombers plunge back into action today when the Sweet 16 round gets going with a double-header at First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (Faith) gym in Tanauan City.
The Falcons and the Bombers clash in a knockout duel at 4 p.m. right after North-Central Luzon champion La Finns Scholastica and South Luzon winner University of Batangas battle at 2 p.m.
“We’ve developed into a true national, multilevel competition that involves the participation of 33 mother leagues with over 200 teams,” PCCL chair Rey Gamboa said in a press conference earlier yesterday at Restaurant 9501 at ABS-CBN.
“We’re seeing signs of growth, especially in the regional competitions where teams are starting to show themselves.”
The scores:
First Game
ADAMSON 88—Cruz 20, Cabrera 18, Julkipli 14, Rios 10, Agustin 6, Brondial 6, Monteclaro 6, Trollano 4, Abrigo 4.
MAPUA 79—Parala 22, Nimes 13, Eriobu 13, Ighalo 9, Banal 7, Brana 6, Saitanan 4, Magsigay 3, Estrella 2, Abad 0, Cantos 0.
Quarters: 23-17, 55-35, 73-52, 88-79
Second Game
JRU 104—Villarias 35, Lopez 15, Dela Paz 13, Carampil 12, Mabulac 9, Mendoza 6, Almario 5, Salaveria 5, Paniamogan 4.
UE 99—Sumang 36, Gallanza 14, Javier 14, Santos 12, Alberto 8, Flores 6, Hernandez 3, Duran 2, Olayon 2, Sumido 2, Villarias 0.
Quarters: 27-19, 43-35, 64-57, 78-78 (reg), 88-88 (1OT), 104-99 (2OT)
