LETRAN rallied from 16 points down to stun erstwhile unbeaten Mapua, 70-69, while Far Eastern University likewise bucked a listless start to down Ateneo, 80-73, and set up a semis encounter in the PCABL (Philippine Chinese Amateur Basketball League) 7thFreego Cup Tuesday at the Phil. Buddhacare Academy gym in Quezon City.
Still down by 15 at the end of the third period, the Squires suddenly came alive behind Enrique Caunan, Tommy Gedaria, and Red Rubite, who combined for 25 of the team’s 30-point explosion to blow past the Red Robins.
The Robins, who advanced to the quarters undefeated after sweeping the seven-game elims in Group A of the 14-team tournament, were limited to just 14 points in the payoff period as they were obviously bothered by Letran’s sticky defense.
Meanwhile, the Baby Tamaraws also trailed in the first two quarters but outscored the Eaglets, 28-15, in the third quarter to take the lead for good, 61-54.
In a showdown between UAAP title favorites, Adamson brought reigning titlist National University down to its knees, 88-79, to secure a semis berth opposite Chiang Kai Shek College in the tournament presented by Freego and backed by Smart Telecom, Fresh Gear (FG), Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Colt Commercial, K Tech Sports, Insular Square of Cebu and Cebu Pioneer Auto Supply.
The CKSC Dragons marched into the semis with nary a trouble after crushing La Salle-Zobel, 71-48.
JD Tungcab and Jimboy Pasturan led Adamson with 20 and 19 points, respectively, while JV Gallego Fran Yu and Jonas Tibayan shone for the Dragons by combining for 54 points.