Cavite and Nueva Ecija advanced into the quarterfinals of the National Basketball League (NBL) Season 3 Black Arrow Express-President’s Cup after beating separate foes over the weekend.
Riordan Galicia had 27 points, 17 rebounds, and two assists, while Hubert Cani converted 20 points as the Cavite Ballers beat the Laguna Pistons, 102-92, last Sunday at the General Trias Sports Center.
Edgie Jejillos had 22 points, and Juancho Tolentino tallied 16 to lift the Nueva Ecija Besprens to an 82-81 win over the Quezon City Defenders last Saturday at the San Leonardo Gym.
The Ballers will next phase Group B top-seed La Union Paower, while the Besprens will collide with Group A number one ranked Camsur Express in the quarterfinals slated after two weeks. La Union and Camsur own a twice-to-beat advantage in their series.
Meanwhile, the Marikina Best Shoemakers and the Pasig El Pirata won in their knockout matches to advance into the playoffs.
Ronald Roy had 23 points and 10 rebounds to give the Best Shoemakers their first win of the season after a 101-97 victory over the Lifenet Corp. Caloocan Executives, as Jaddie Antonio contributed 20 points and the El Pirata won over the Zamboanga Valientes, 86-77.
Marikina will go up against the Parañaque Aces, while Pasig will clash with the Muntinlupa Emeralds for a spot in the quarterfinals. The Aces and the Emeralds will have a twice-to-beat advantage.
