By REYNALD MAGALLON
National University showed its full might and cruised past University of the Perpetual Help, 83-71, to complete a sweet sweep of its elimination round assignments in PG Flex Linoleum UCBL Pre-Season tournament Thursday at the SGS Gym in Quezon City.
The Bulldogs put up a defensive masterclass in the second frame limiting the Altas to just eight points en route to the convincing victory and a five-game sweep of Group B elims.
Not to be left out was reigning UAAP champion University of the Philippines which swept Group A with a with a 103-80 demolition of Olivarez College.
It was a total show of force for the Fighting Maroons as seven players scored in double-figures with Zav Lucero unloading 17 points.
UP, however, begged off from playing in the tournament anymore as it is scheduled to undergo training camp.
Lester Cansinillo rifled in 15 points, two rebounds and two assists while four other players scored at least nine points each in a show of a balanced attack for the Bulldogs who led by as many as 18 points in the contest.
The win should also serve as a fitting warmup for NU which will be facing UAAP rival Far Eastern University in the crossover quarterfinals.
The Tamaraws, however, suffered a stinging 69-61 defeat at the hands of guest team La Consolacion College Manila Blue Royals in their final elims schedule.
Christian Alonzo showed the way for LCCM with 22 points, six rebounds and two assists as the Blue Royals pulled away late with a 10-4 spurt to nab the victory.
Meantime, quarterfinals begin on Monday, Aug. 8 with CEU taking on Emilio Aguinaldo College at 11 a.m. followed by a clash between Olivarez and Adamson University at 12:45 p.m. PCU-Dasmarinas will then battle Perpetual at 2:30 p.m. before the collision between NU and FEU at 4:15 p.m.
