Aldous Torculas delivered when University of the Philippines needed him the most, providing on both ends to help eliminate San Beda University in the elite eight of the 2023 Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup with a 92-76 victory on Sunday at Activate Hoops Arena in Mandaluyong.
Torculas produced 26 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field with five rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, towing the Fighting Maroons to a rebound after bowing in Game 1 last Friday, 86-81.
Unlike the game last Friday, UP put on a masterclass on the defensive end in the second half, limiting San Beda to just 31 points in the last 20 minutes of the game on a poor 16-of-35 clip.
Backstopping Torculas were Mark Belmonte (12 points, six rebounds), Chicco Briones (12 points, seven rebounds), Reyland Torres (11 points, seven rebounds), and Harold Alarcon (11 points, six rebounds).
The Fighting Maroons will not set their sight on the National University Bulldogs as they clash in the knockout semis on Tuesday at Villar Coliseum in Las Pinas.
RC Calimag, who dropped 41 points last Friday, was held down to just 13 points on 2-of-7 shooting from the field.
Emman Tagle paced the Red Lions with 18 points and five rebounds.
In the other knockout match, Emilio Aguinaldo College got back at Mapua University, 84-69, to set up a clash with Ateneo de Manila University also on Tuesday.
Ralph Robin led all Generals with 15 points while Kriss Gurtiza and JP Maguliano added 14 and 13 markers, respectively.
Clint Escamis paced the Cardinals, who took Game 1 — 94-64 — last Friday, with 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals.
