Undefeated teams National University and Adamson University, as well as Far Eastern University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, dominated their respective foes to reach the semifinals of the 2024 ANTA Asiabasket International Championship on Sunday at the Enderun Colleges, BGC.
Jolo Manansala provided quality minutes for the Bulldogs and starred in their 83-63 quarterfinal victory against reigning NCAA champions San Beda Red Lions to march on to their fifth win in as many games.
Manansala put together a team-high 16 points along with three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in just 16 minutes of action, while Mohammed Diassana contributed with 14 markers and four boards.
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Likewise, the Adamson Soaring Falcons continued to soar above their opponents, with Phenom Blue Fire emerging as their latest victim after a dominant 105-80 triumph.
AJ Fransman and Cedrick Manzano starred for the San Marcelino-based crew, with Fransman dropping 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal, while Manzano added 15 markers, seven boards, and one assist to help Adamson reach the Final Four.
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Another UAAP squad advanced to the semifinals after the FEU Tamaraws sent National Formosa University-Taiwan home with a 94-89 victory, while the Benilde Blazers remain the only NCAA team in contention after dismantling Mapua University, 90-63.
Veejay Pre shone brightest for the wards of FEU head coach Sean Chambers. The rookie sensation carried the offense with a 26-point outing, along with 13 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block. Janrey Pasaol supplied support with 17 markers, seven boards, two swats, and two rejections.
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Benilde, missing the services of stars Tony Ynot and Allen Liwag who are with Strong Group for the Jones Cup, leaned on Matthew Oli and Jesse Arciaga, with the tandem combining for 23 points, while Paul Turco and Roger Ondoa each had nine points to help the cause.
Both NU and Adamson swept the group stage and will look to extend their winning ways in the semifinals, where NU will take on FEU at 6 p.m., and Adamson will square off with Benilde in the other bracket set at 4 p.m. at the same venue.
