Xavier rallies to stun CKSC, battles NU in PSSBC semis

Tyler Tio erupted for 28 points to help power Xavier School to a comefrom-behind 77-72 win over Chiang Kai Shek College and into the semis of the 3rd Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball ChampionshipIroncon Builders Cup knockout quarterfinals Saturday at the Chiang Kai Shek College gym in Tondo, Manila.

The sweet-shooting Tio keyed a decisive 14-3 run in the last four minutes as the Xavier Stallions arranged a semis showdown with the reigning UAAP champion National University.

Aside from shooting 10- of-20 from the field, including 3- of-6 from the 3-point territory, Tio also hauled down eight rebounds to highlight yet another solid all-around performance.

The NU Bullpups, on the other hand, went to Mark Dyke in the final half to eke out a pulsating 78-76 victory over the Mapua Red Robins. The Bullpups and the Stallions are still playing at presstime.

The other semis match pitting NCAA champion San Beda and Far Eastern University is also being held at presstime.

Dyke delivered 10 of his game- high 20 points in the final period to help NU rally from a 66-60 deficit in the last five minutes. He also had 15 boards to finish in double-double for the third straight game.

The Baby Tamaraws, meanwhile, leaned on a torrid shooting of Marvin Lee and Tricky Peromingan in the first half to beat Hope Christian High School, 78-61, and advance to the semis of the tournament also sponsored by MEC Computers, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Rain or Shine, Hapee Toothpaste, Blackwater-Ever Bilena, Dickies Underwear and Freego.

Mapua had one last chance to win the game but Sherwin Concepcion, who tied the count at 76-all after burying back-to-back triples, missed the one that could embellish his status as one of the league clutch shooters.

The Red Cubs leaned on the 21point performance of Evan Furaque to dispatch the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers, 72-63.

Furaque scored all his 21 points in the second half, including the Red Cubs’ last 14 points in the third quarter to pull away for good.