La Salle Green Hills encountered some scary moments before eking out an 87-85 win over La Consolacion College at the start of the 8th PSSBC-Freego Cup, Sunday at the SGS gym in Quezon City.
Batang Gilas guard RC Calimag erupted for 28 points on an impressive 6-of-11 shooting from the downtown apart posting six boards, three assists, and two steals to help the Greenies turn back the gritty La Consolacion dribblers.
After the first two quarters, the Greenies appeared headed for a big win when they took a 57-38 advantage. They were then jolted in the next frame, as the La Consolacion dribblers outscored them, 31-11, and led as many as five points in the payoff period.
The Greenies, however, rallied with Calimag shattering a 78-all count with back-to-back three-point shots. They finally restored order on the way to victory in Group A elims of the annual tournament, also sponsored by Blackwater Sports, IronCon Builders, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Macbeth Underwear, Hapee Toothpaste, MEC Networks, and Poly Gloss-Rain or Shine.
Ateneo High School, meanwhile, made a triumphant return in the event also backed by Gerry’s Grill, Sumo GI Sheet, Cherrylume, Choi Garden and Molten outlasting San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 81-76, in Group B action.
The Eaglets dominated the Staglets early on, posting leads as many as 19 points. But the Recto-based squad made a furious charge late in the game to the delight of their supporters.
Time was not on San Sebastian’s side, though, and it allowed Ateneo to pull it through thanks to a balanced attack, with Forthsky Padrigao tallying 18 points and 12 assists.
On the other hand, the Bullpups start their title-retention bid on Sunday against the La Consolacion dribblers at 4 p.m. Inaugural champion Hope Christian High School collides with Ateneo at 4 p.m.
Multi-titled Chiang Kai Shek College is looking for a grand debut when it battles Lyceum in Group C with the top two finishers in the three-team, four-group event advancing to the quarters on Tuesday.
