Reigning NCAA titlist La Salle-Greenhills and defending CESAFI champion University of Visayas hurdled separate opponents at the start of the 6th PSSBC Dickies Underwear Cup on Saturday at the SGS Stadium in Araneta Avenue, Quezon City.
The Greenies put more defensive pressure down the stretch to foil the upset-conscious San Sebastian Staglets, 71-70, in their thrilling Group D showdown and set their title bid in motion.
Vincent David tallied a team-high 15 points, including the go-ahead free throw with 14 ticks left, while ace guard Joel Cagulangin came up with a crucial steal in the closing seconds to help La Salle-Greenhills complete a Houdini act.
“We kind of got lucky with the win,” said Greenies coach Marvin Bienvenida. “Just like what we encountered in the NCAA Finals last month, it all boiled down on making the necessary defensive stops.”
Not to be outdone were the Baby Lancers, who pulled the rug from under the fancied Mapua University Red Robins, 89-78, in Group C encounter of the tournament supported by Choi Garden, Davies Paints, Cherrylume Roofing, Sumo GI Sheets, Molten and Masumax Food Supplement.
In other games, CKSC, the 2015 titleholder, made quick work of Letran, 81-65, in Group B while San Beda, the 2014 champion, overcame a tough stand by Manila Patriotic School, 89-78, in Group A.
Also sponsoring the event are Hapee Toothpaste owner Dr. Cecilio Pedro, Blackwater’s Dioceldo Sy, Freego Jeans’ Eduard Tio, Terry Que of Poly Gloss and Rain or Shine, Che Lu Bar & Grill’s Jimmy Dela Cruz, MEC Computers’ Leoncio Chua and Ironcon Builder’s Jimi Lim.
