ENDERUN College edged Rizal Technological University, 85-81, and Philippine Christian University overwhelmed Manuel Luis Quezon University, 89-70, to clinch quarterfinal berths in the NAASCU Season 17 men’s basketball tournament atbthe San Andres Sports Complex in Malate.
Michael Louise de la Cruz, Serge Wabo Captue and John Vidal joined hands in the Titans’ hard-earned victory over the Thunder that enabled them to arrange a quarterfinal showdown against defending champion and Group A topnotcher St. Clare College-Caloocan.
De la Cruz scattered 20 points, including five points in a crippling 11-0 run by the Global City-based Titans that put them ahead for good, 67-60, from a 56-60 deficit at the end 9f the third period.
Wabo Captue also made his presence felt with a double-double of 17 points and 16 rebounds, while Vidal had 14 points for the Titans, who now face the formidable task of having to beat the Saints twice in the quarterfinals.
Leading RTU’s losing effort was Cyrus Tabi, who exploded with 34 points, including four three-point shots in more than 36 minutes of action.
Backing up Tabi for the Johnedel Cardrl-mentored Thunder were Kerr Bangeles, who finished with 15 points and eight rebounds, and Nicole Liquanan, who had 12 markers.
Later, PCU had an easy time in dispatching MLQU to advance to a quarterfinal match against Group B runner-up Colegio de San Lorenzo.
The Dolphins of coach Elvis Tolentino relied on the high-scoring trio of Mike Ayonayon (26 points, 5 rebounds), Yves Sason (24 points, 7 rebounds) and Von Tambeling (15 points, 7 rebounds) to secure the victory.
A big lift for the Dolphins were their 53-33 advantage in rebounds and 15-11 edge in assists over the Stallions
PCU also had 10 triples against only five by MLQU.
Jayson Grimaldo carried the fight for MLQU with 30 points and nine rebounds; followed by Nikko Lao, with 17 and 10.
Like St. Clare, Group B runner-up CdSL enjoys twice-to-beat advantage over PCU.
PBA legend Pido Jarencio is the commissioner.
The scores:
First game
Enderun (85) – Dela Cruz 20, Wabo Captue 17, Vidal 14, Cadavos 9, Grilli 6, Nuñez 6, Villar 6, Dungan 4, Francisco 3.
RTU (81) – Tabi 34, Bangeles 15, Liquinan 12, Flores 6, Estoce 5, Señires 4, Reyes 3, Tilos 2, Marks 0, Redondo 0.
Quarterscores: 26-17, 45-41, 56-60, 85-81.
Second game
PCU (89) – Ayonayon 26, Sason 24, Tambeling 15, Palattao 11, Castro 4, Malto 4, Okoronkwo 3, Mescallado 2, Saldua 0.
MLQU (70) – Grimaldo 30, Lao 17, Asturiano 12, Dela Cruz 9, Rivera 2, Dela Punta 0, Jamila 0.
Quarterscores: 26-14, 51-36, 70-48, 89-70.