National University streaked to its third win to advance to the quarters while Centro Escolar University kept its own bid alive with its second straight win in the PG Flex Linoleum UCBL Pre-Season tournament Friday at the SGS Gym in Quezon City.
The Bulldogs leaned on a big fourth-quarter show to beat Adamson University. 72-68, while Centro Escolar University came through with a 41-point second-quarter explosion to dump University of the Batangas, 103-88, in similar Group B matches
The win enabled the Bulldogs to secure the solo lead apart from clinching the first quarterfinal berth. Meanwhile, the Scorpions evened their record at 2-2 – thanks to the stellar performances of Christian Malacana, Ayodeji Balugon, and Jhomel Ancheta.
In the lone Group A match, Emilio Aguinaldo College likewise boosted its Last Eight hopes by trouncing Philippine Christian University-Dasmarinas, 88-65.
Only reigning UAAP titlist University of the Philippines (3-0) and NU have so far secured berths to the next round of the 12-team tournament going into the last four playing dates of the elims.
Steve Nash Enriquez starred for the Bulldogs with 19 points and five boards. John Lloyd Clemente and Omar John backed him up with 10 and 8 points, respectively.
(C) UCBL
The Falcons, who absorbed their first defeat in three games, were paced by Matty Erolon and Eli Ramos with 17 and 12 points, respectively.
On the other hand, EAC Generals also logged their second win in four starts. They drew inspired games from Boging Bajon and Nathaniel Consejo, who combined for 27 points.
