Freego Cup: LS-Greenhills gains last semifinal berth

Games Tomorrow (Buddhacare gym, Q.C.) 9 a.m. – CKSC vs LSGH 10:45 a.m. – NU vs Adamson

La Salle Greenhills came through with an explosive third quarter performance and outlasted University of the Philippines, 95-90, in their rubber match for the last semis berth yesterday in the 9th PCABL (Philippine Chinese Amateur Basketball League) FREEGO Cup at the Buddhacare Academy gym in Quezon City.

Protecting a slim 49-46 lead, the Greenies outscored the Junior Maroons, 27-19, behind the hot shooting quartet of Troy Mallilin, Unique Naboa, Joshua Marcos and Harry Espinosa to take a 7665 lead which they protected mightily to complete their remarkable comeback win over the top-seeded Junior Maroons.

La Salle Greenhills forced a knockout match by beating UP, 94-87, last Saturday in the event also sponsored by Smart, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Hapee Toothpaste, Insular Square (Cebu), and New Pioneer Auto Supply (Cebu).

Mallilin finished with a team-high 32 points while Naboa and Marcos chipped in 16 and 13 points, respectively as the Greenies earned the right to face Chiang Kai Shek College in the semis tomorrow.

Group B top-notcher National University battles vastly-improving Adamson in the other semis duel which is a knockout affair.

The Chiang Kai Shek Blue Dragons outsteadied the Arellano Junior Chiefs, 102-100, through the efforts of John Galinato and Miguel Oczon who scored 29 and 20 markers, respectively, while the Baby Falcons crushed the Lyceum Junior Pirates, 103-86.