Games Today
(Buddhacare gym, Q.C.)
10:45 a.m. Letran vs UP
1 p.m. – SSC-R vs Arellano
2:45 p.m. – NU vs CKSC
University of the Philippines pulled off a stunning 78-76 come-from-behind win over reigning UAAP and defending champion National University to highlight the opening of the 9th PCABL (Philippine Chinese Amateur Basketball League) FREEGO Cup over the weekend at the Philippine Buddhacare Academy gym in Quezon City.
Almost given up for dead after falling behind by 10 points (61-51) going into the final quarter, the troika of Bryan Lina, Juan Gomez de Liano and Will Gozum combined for 23 of the team’s last 27 points to pull the rug from the Bullpups.
Gozum finished with 22 points while de Liano and Lina added 21 and 10 points, respectively, for the Junior Maroons who were handled by assistant coach Rommel Gador in the absence of Paolo Mendoza.
Equally impressive in their wins were Chiang Kai Shek College, Adamson, and Letran in the event also sponsored by Smart, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Hapee Toothpaste, Insular Square (Cebu), and New Pioneer Auto Supply (Cebu).
The CKS Dragons got double digits from John Galinato (23 pts.), Miguel Oczon (14) and Jonas Tibayan (12) to beat Hope Christian Highh School, 89-79, while the Letran Squires leaned on the 26-point effort of Rayniel David to beat the Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws, 99-89.
Jose Antiporda scored 15 points to lead a well-balanced attack for Adamson which outlasted Arellano University, 85-77.
Gozum also had 9 rebounds, one assist and one block to bag the Freego Best Player award – the same accolade received by Galinato, David and Antiporda.