Xavier School leaned on another explosive performance from Joseph Yeo to defeat Philippine Cultural College, 75-64, and clinch the first outright semifinal berth in the 40-years division of the Fil-Chinese Athletic Association Inc. (FCAAI), held recently at the Tanduay Gym in Quiapo.
Yeo delivered a dazzling offensive display, finishing with 25 points highlighted by a spectacular alley-oop late in the game, as the Golden Stallions wrapped up their elimination-round campaign on a high note.
After dropping their opening game to defending champion Hua Siong College last May, Xavier bounced back in impressive fashion, winning seven straight games to finish the eliminations with a 7-1 record.
Backstopped by two-time PBA MVP James Yap, Hua Siong College remains atop the standings with a perfect 6-0 slate.
Hua Siong, however, still needs to win one of its two remaining games—against either Grace Christian College or Philippine Cultural College—to secure the other outright semifinal berth.
Backed by Powersox and AcroCity, Xavier also received solid contributions from Bon Syiaco and Denden Coyiuto, who scored 16 and eight points, respectively.
Alfie Martinez led the Eastern Communications-backed Philippine Cultural College with 32 points. The loss dropped PCC to 5-2, tying it with St. Stephen’s-SCAG, which cruised to a 72-59 victory over Metro Asia-backed St. Peter the Apostle School behind Christian Luanzon’s 13-point performance.
Still in contention for the two remaining quarterfinal berths are Grace Christian College-GT Radial (3-3), Chiang Kai Shek College-Big Chill (2-4), St. Peter the Apostle School-Metro Asia (1-6), and St. Jude-Linea-Pesomax.com.
The nine-team league is backed by Genius Hardware, Ultraforce Tires, Cellboy, PGFlex Linoleum, Boysen, Lamtex Pipes, Jiang Nan, Hangry Pares, Powerhouse Tools, L.F. Fireworks, BYD Valenzuela, BAIC, Jetour, Yong Kee Roasting House, 1118 Autospa, and TCL.
