Games Today (Buddhacare gym, Q. C.)
11:30 a.m. – Mapua vs NU
1:15 p.m. – LSGH vs UST
NCAA champion Mapua and former UAAP titlist National University dispute the top seeding in the semis today at the close of the elimination round in the 10th Freego Cup at the Buddhacare gym in Quezon City.
With the winner earning a twice-to-beat advantage in the next round, expect both teams to go all-out in their 11:30 a.m. encounter as only the top team will enjoy such privilege.
Both teams are sporting similar 6-1 records in the 9-team tournament serving as a preseason for top high school teams in Metro Manila.
Out to lead the Red Robins are Brian Lacap and Clint Escamis – the architect in the team’s 97-68 drubbing of the Lyceum Junior Pirates – while Paul Manalang, Paolo Javillonar and Terrence Fortea are expected to lead NU’s attack in the event which has the backing of Smart, Powerhouse and Home Depot.
Already assure of a semis berth, La Salle Greenhills hopes to gain a winning feeling going into the semis when it battles UST.
Also in the semis is Jose Rizal University which finished the elims with a 5-3 card.
Meanwhile, University of the East closed out its campaign on a winning note with a 67-64 win over reigning UAAP champion Far Eastern University while deposed champion Chiang Kai Shek College downed Lyceum, 95-90.
The CKSC Blue Dragons wound up with a 4-4 card while the Junior Warriors, Junior Pirates and Baby Tamaraws ended up with similar 2-6 marks.