Games Today
(Buddhacare gym, Q. C.)
1 p.m. – JRU vs NU
2:45 p.m. – Mapua vs LSGH
La Salle Greenhills put on a shooting clinic in the payoff period and stunned National University, 97-92, to arrange a title clash with Mapua in the 10th Freego Cup held on Monday at the Buddhacare gym in Quezon City.
With John Natividad, Nikki Perez and JD Cagulangan at the firing end, the Greenies erupted for 31 points to wipe out a 9-point third quarter deficit (75-66) and set up a title clash with the Red Robins.
While La Salle needed a big fourth quarter explosion, the Red Robins advanced to the final with no sweat after Jose Rizal University forfeited its game due to injuries to key players.
The one-game title clash is set today at 2:45 p.m. with the Red Robins, the reigning NCAA champions, heavily favored to raise the championship trophy of the event backed by Smart, Powerhouse and Home Depot.
Natividad topscored for the Greenies with 18 points, including 2 for 2 from the 3-point zone while Perez added 15 points.
Also impressive were JD Cagulangan and Macoy Marcos who delivered 12 points each aside from combining for seven boards and six assists.
Rhyyan Amsali finished with 22 points and 10 boards for the Bullpups who controlled the first three quarters only to lose steam in the fourth period in the face of La Salle’s red-hot shooting – not mention its air-tight defense.
Mapua clinched the top semis spot after topping the elims with a 7-1 card.
Out to lead the Red Robins are Brian Lacap and Clint Escamis with the latter posting a double-double of 23 points and 11 boards in the team’s 86-80 win over NU last week.
