Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas staged a strong bounce-back from a stinging defeat last week, repeating over Lyceum of the Philippines University, 84-80, in the second round of the PGFlex-UCAL Season 8 Basketball Tournament on Monday at Paco Arena in Manila.
Determined to redeem themselves after absorbing a 71-68 loss to reigning titlist Olivarez College exactly a week prior, the Dolphins leaned on Kingsley Anaba—and the 6-foot-9 Nigerian delivered. He tallied 26 points and 15 rebounds, along with two assists.
Guard Nifio John Opone also dazzled, finishing with 18 points highlighted by two triples, while Angus Geronimo added 13 markers.
Both PCU-D and Lyceum ended the second round of eliminations tied for third to fourth place in their group with identical 6-5 records. However, the Dolphins secured the No. 3 seed by virtue of the winner-over-the-other rule.
PCU-D also edged Lyceum, 72-71, in their first-round meeting.
Meanwhile, early semifinalists Centro Escolar University (9-1) and Olivarez College (8-2) will dispute the top seed on Thursday, March 26, to close out the second phase of the eliminations.
The Pirates entered the game brimming with confidence after snapping CEU’s nine-game winning streak with a 79-76 victory last Thursday. However, they gradually unraveled against PCU-D’s sharp shooting and airtight defense.
In other games, Diliman College and Manila Central University likewise reaffirmed their mastery over University of Batangas and Philippine Women’s University, respectively.
The Blue Dragons clobbered the UB Brahmans, 95-76, to set up a quarterfinal showdown with the Pirates after the Holy Week break, while the MCU Supremos routed the PWU Patriots, 79-60.
