NU clinches Jumbo Cup bonus

Standings: NU (7-0), Ateneo (5-1), CKSC (4-2), FEU (3-2), HCHS (3-3), UST (2-3), UPIS (2-4), UE (1-5), Letran-B (0-7)

National University (NU) clinched a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis after notching its seventh straight win in the 2nd PCABL Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Cup on Sunday at the Philippine Buddhacare Academy gym in Quezon City.

Joshua Jugar scored 11 of his gamehigh 22 points in the third quarter as the Bullpups outlasted the University of the Philippines Integrated School Junior Maroons, 92-79, and moved to within a win of completing an 8-game sweep in the single-round elims.

The slippery guard also had four assists, three rebounds and three steals to clinch the Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Player of the Game award.

Jugar got solid backing from Carl Penano and Justin Baltazar who combined for 24 points that helped the Bullpups outscore the Junior Maroons, 28-21, in the second quarter to grab a 44-38 lead.

Reigning UAAP champion Ateneo clinched the second semis berth by downing Far Eastern University, 84-63, in the event also backed bySmart Telecom, Advance Solutions Inc., Hapee Toothpaste, Fed Seal, Powerhouse, CW Home Depot and Powerbest Marketing.

As expected the Eaglets drew big games from Shaun Ildefonso, Bryan Andrade and Jolo Mendoza to hike their record to 5-1.

Chiang Kai Shek College, the defending champion, boosted its semis chances by tripping University of Santo Tomas, 91-83, thanks to Joshua Ramirez, Andre Oczon and Allen Toribio who all scored 13 points apiece.

With four players scoring in double digits, Hope Christian High School improved to 3-3 following a 77-58 drubbing of Letran-B.