THE new faces of the sixth-seeded Malayan High School of Science Red Robins made their presence felt in the third quarter and their efforts paid off as they outplayed Durham of Canada, 78-70, yesterday in the Sweet 16 second round at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Roxas City find Dan Arches scored big in the third period, hitting 11 of his 21 points as the Red Robins adjusted to their opponent’s zone defense and moved away from a tight 28-26 halftime lead.
The Red Robins, who drew 14 points from Clint Escamis, went on to grab 53-46 edge at the end of the third period.
With another newcomer, Fil-Aussie Brieden Smith, taking charge inside, the Red Robins had little trouble taking a 68-51 edge off baskets from Arches and Escamis.
Escamis went on to finish with 15 points, while Aiden Licardo and Smith added 14 and 12 points, respectively for the Red Robins, who advanced to the Elite 8 quarterfinals.
“Maganda ang execution ng offense nila. Ganu’n din ang zone defense nila. Pero nakapag-adjust kami,” said Red Robins coach Randy Alcantara,
The Red Robins, who reached the Sweet 16 after hurdling Balanga of Bataan, 68-48, will next meet the winner between third seed Chiang Kai Shek College and the Letran Squires,
Favored squads like the Ateneo Blue Eaglets won as expected and after they trounced AusPinoy of Australia, 74-55, with SJ Belangel dishing out a game-high 15 points.
Fifth-seeded National University, with Gerry Abadiano and Cyril Gonzales shooting 13 and 12 points, respectively, won over the Adamson Baby Falcons, 98-74.
The seventh-seeded defending champion San Beda University Red Cubs got 21 points from Jade Talampas in their 74-72 triumph over the San Sebastian Stags.
Eight-seeded Sacred Heart-Ateneo de Cebu, with Travis Mantua making 20, turned back Hope Christian School, 70-63.
