Defending champion FEU-NRMF-Gerry’s Grill threw the full weight of its veteran-laden lineup to frustrate Diliman College-JPA Freight Logistics, 79-68, and clinch top seed in the 2017 MBL Open basketball championship at the FEU gym in Fairview.
Last year’s MVP Clay Crellin scattered a team-high 21 points in limited minutes as the Tamaraws buried the Dragons with inspired performance on both ends of the floor.
Aris Gumabay, Japs Bautista, Erwin Sta. Maria, Christian Manalo and ex-PBA star Jerwin Gaco also played well for the Tamaraws of owner Niño Reyes and coach Pido Jarencio.
Overall, FEU finished in a three-way tie for the top spot with Philippine Christian University and Colegio de San Lorenzo-V Hotel with 6-1 win-loss records.
The Tamaraws finished first, followed by the Dolphins in second and the Griffins in third after the FIBA tiebreak.
FEU and PCU now hold twice-to-beat advantages in the semis.
Led by Crellin and Fil-German Glenn Gravengard, the Tamaraws swept their last two elimination round assignments against the Griffins and the Dragons by an average winning margin of 22.5 points.
The Fairview, Quezon City-based team used a blinding start to surprise their opponents and win both matches pulling way.
Arvin Angeles finished with 26 points for Diliman-JPS, which played minus top African import Alex Diakhite and local gunners Kris Torrado and Rickson Gerero.
The Rensy Bajar-mentored Dragons dropped to 3-3.