La Salle maintained its perfect record, while reigning UCAL champion Centro Escolar University (CEU) strengthened its semifinal bid in the PGFlex Linoleum Invitational Tournament on Thursday at Paco Arena in Manila.
Powered once again by the standout performances of Mason Amos, Jacob Cortez, and Kean Baclaan, the Archers held off a determined challenge from the Manila Central University (MCU) Supremos, winning 76-71 for their fourth consecutive victory.
This win secured their place in the semifinals of the preseason tournament, also presented by Quintana.
The 6-foot-7 Amos went a perfect 4-for-4 on his two-point attempts and converted seven free throws to tally 15 points, matching his output in La Salle’s 82-71 win over the University of the Philippines earlier this week.
For the fourth straight game, the 5-foot-8 Baclaan led the Archers in scoring with 18 points, adding 4 assists and 2 rebounds.
Cortez contributed with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals as La Salle handed MCU its first loss in three games.
The Scorpions, meanwhile, watched Olivarez College miss two potential game-winning baskets in the final 13 seconds, allowing CEU to escape with a narrow 62-61 victory, improving their record to 3-1.
JR Jopillo led CEU with 16 points and 11 rebounds, making a strong case for himself.
Foreign student-athlete Israel Osamudiame Friday added 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Medwin Ariate chipped in 10 points.
Monsour Proel, despite shooting just 5-of-16 from the field, led the Sea Lions, who suffered their second loss in four games.
The UP Maroons rebounded from their loss to La Salle with an 86-77 win over Caloocan’s Immaculada Concepcion College, giving them a 1-1 record, thanks to another stellar performance from Francis Nnoruka.
Nnoruka sank 12 of his 13 field goal attempts, including a surprise three-pointer, earning him Best Player of the Game honors with 30 points and 9 rebounds.
This followed his previous impressive game against La Salle, where he posted 33 points and 16 rebounds.
