Mapua, CKSC top elims; Hope catches last QF slot

Games Tomorrow (CKSC gym, Tondo, Manila) 12 noon – CKSC vs Xavier 1:30 p.m. – FEU vs HCHS 3 p.m. – NU vs Mapua 4:30 p.m. – JRU vs SBC

NCAA runner-up Mapua, Far Eastern University, and Chiang Kai Shek College pulled off contrasting wins to sweep their respective group assignments at the close of the elimination round of the 3rd Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship Ironcon Builders Cup Wednesday at the SGS gym on Araneta Ave., Quezon City.

With Sherwin Concepcion and Daniel Aguirre displaying near flawless shooting, the Mapua Red Robins raced to an early 14-point first quarter lead on the way to posting a 61-51 win over the Xavier School Stallions in Group C action.

Concepcion and Aguirre scored 14 points each to highlight Mapua’s well-balanced attack

FEU and CKSC also completed a twogame sweep of their group elims with the Baby Tamaraws needing extra five minutes to beat the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers,75-67, in Group B, while CKSC Blue Dragons leaned on a fiery start to dispatch defending champion San Sebastian College Staglets, 106-87, in Group A.

San Beda College, the winningest NCAA team with 21 titles, earlier topped Group D by downing University of the Philippines and Hope Christian High School.

But Hope Christian High completed the quarterfinal cast in the tournament sponsored by Ever Bilena-Blackwater, Dickies Underwear, MEC Computers, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Hapee Toothpaste, Freego, and Rain or Shine following a 91-74 drubbing of UP.

Behind by 14 points midway in the third, the Baby Tamaraws wheeled back into the game through the inspired plays of Marvin Lee and Chris Fajarito. The two combined for 32 points, including crucial baskets early in overtime that helped complete their comeback.

Shooting guard Fran Yu led the Blue Dragons with 27 points on an impressive 8- of-12 shooting. He was ably supported by Van Pilanga, who finished with 18 points and nine assists.

By topping its group assignment, Chiang Kai Shek College arranged an interesting quarterfinal showdown with longtime rival Xavier in the next round.

“I’m sure, it’s going to be an explosive showdown because the two teams have a storied rivalry in the Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball League,” said Dickies’ Rudy Yu, one of PSSBC Governors.

Another pairing worth watching is the encounter between NU and Mapua.