UNIVERSITY of the Philippines continued its rampage, overpowering reigning UCAL titlist Olivarez College, 78-63, in the battle of frontrunners to advance to the semis of the PG Flex Invitational Tournament 2025 Quintana Cup on Thursday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
After a see-saw contest in the first three quarters, the Maroons suddenly exploded for 19 straight points while holding the Sea Lions scoreless in the last four minutes to extend their winning run to five games for a 5-1 card, tying their victims for the lead.
Pre sparks UP comeback
The Sea Lions appeared headed to a big win when they took a 63-59 lead, but power forward Veejay Pre reintroduced himself big time to help snatch the win.
Pre completed two huge plays – first a powerful inside play before dropping a 3-point bomb that triggered UP’s massive windup that all but flattened the Paranaque-based squad.
Pre finished with 19 points, 6 boards, two steals and 1 assist while crafty guard Rain Maga was equally impressive with 19 points, 5 boards and 5 assists – their efforts were more than enough to make up for a 3-point performance of FSA Deante Miles.
In other games, Letran kept its semis bid alive with a 73-67 win over San Sebastian while Manila Central University closed out its campaign with a 79-77 victory over fellow UCAL member Immaculada Concepcion College for a 4-4 mark.
The win improved Letran’s mark to 4-3, tying Diliman College for fourth to fifth places going into the last two playing dates of the elims.
The Knights, however, must beat the Sea Lions on Nov. 13, and hope that third-running Centro Escolar University falters in its last two games to make it to the knockout semis round.
UP is already assured of a Final Four berth having beaten the three other semis contenders – CEU, Diliman, and Letran – in the preseason tournament backed by Smart Sports, Crane, Topflite, Hapee Toothpaste, Gerry’s Grill, Spalding, Mighty Bond and Best Options.
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