Reigning NCAA titlist San Beda-Taytay inched closer from forging a mouth-watering title showdown with UAAP and defending champion National University, sweeping its own group elims in the 8th PSSBC-Freego Cup, Monday at the SGS Stadium in Quezon City.
The Red Cubs advanced to the quarters of the annual cagefest dubbed the Tournament of Champions with a 91-86 win over the stubborn Adamson Baby Falcons in Group D to complete a two-game sweep.
In topping Group A, the Bullpups waylaid the La Salle Greenies, 99-81, in a rematch of the last year’s final.
In the quarters of the event — also sponsored by Poly-Gloss, IronCon Builders, Macbeth Underwear, Happy Toothpaste, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, MEC Networks, and Blackwater Sports — NU will face Lyceum, while the Red Cubs collide with the San Sebastian Staglets.
The Junior Pirates advanced to the next round after Far Eastern University-Diliman demolished Chiang Kai Shek College in Group C. On the other hand, the Staglets finished No. 2 in Group B after edging Hope Christian High School, 74-72.
In other quarterfinal pairings, the FEU Baby Tamaraws, which drew 23 points from Vincent Saldua, will face the Greenies. Meanwhile, Group B topnotcher Ateneo tackles Adamson in the event which has also the backing of Molten, Gerry’s Grill, Cherrylume, Sumo GI Sheet, and Choi Garden.
Limited to just five points in the team’s 109-82 win over La Consolacion College, Batang Gilas veteran Carl Tamayo imposed his will inside this time and finished with 18 points and seven rebounds.
Terrence Fortea led the team with 23 points on top of six rebounds and five assists while Kevin Quiambao and Gerry Abadiano combined for 23 points.
Justine Sanchez and Rhayyan Amsali starred for Manu Iñigo-mentored Red Cubs with 15 and 14 points, respectively.
