PHILIPPINE Christian University-Dasmariñas boosted its bid for a semifinal berth with an 80-67 win over University of Batangas on Thursday in the UCAL-PGFlex Linoleum 7th Season at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Joshua Dino came up with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists for the Dolphins, who outscored the skidding Brahmans, 34-24, in the second half to post their second win in the second phase of elims for an overall record of 8-4.
That pushed PCU to solo third place behind co-leaders Immaculada Concepcion College and Olivarez College – both toting similar 8-3 marks – going into the last three playdates of the tournament.
CEU Scorpions stay defiant
Meantime, reigning titlist Centro Escolar University continued its determined chase for a semis seat with a vengeful 52-42 win over bitter rival Diliman College in the low-scoring second game.
The Scorpions were held to just two points in the third quarter but willed their way out of trouble to extend their winning streak to three games and hike their win-loss mark to 7-5 – the same record as their victims.
The Dolphins, who also drew inspired games from John Madrono (12 points, 12 rebounds) and Ram Mesqueriola (12 points, 10 rebounds) need to hurdle Manila Central University on Monday to forge at least a playoff for one of the semis berths since seven teams are in the running.
The Scorpions likewise need to beat the ICC Bluehawks on Monday if they are to forge a playoff.
PCU turned the ball 25 times but got more rebounds, 63-39, that resulted in 20 second-chance points and 18 more fastbreak pointsthat made all the difference.
Foreign student athlete Israel Friday expectedly imposed his will inside the paint and finished with 18 points and 17 rebounds, while Lance Siena and Kem Sabsalon added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
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