San Beda and University of Visayas humbled their respective rivals on Sunday and booked a pair of quarterfinal spots in the 6th PSSBC Dickies Underwear Cup at the Chiang Kai Shek College gym in Manila.
The Red Cubs, the 2014 champions, clobbered reigning UAAP champion Far Eastern University, 65-43, for their second straight victory in Group A and an early seat in the knockout playoff round.
Not to be outdone in the six-day event were the Baby Lancers, who proved too much over debuting Paco Catholic Academy Foundation, 83-63, in their Group C encounter.
Beim Laurente had 18 points, 12 of them coming from beyond the arc, while seven other teammates added at least five points apiece as UV, the reigning CESAFI titlist, earned a strong follow-up to an 89-78 stunner over Mapua in the opener of the tournament sponsored by 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 and MEC Computers’ Leoncio Chua.
Gaining a fair share of the limelight was UAAP powerhouse National University, which proved steadier down the stretch over 2015 champion CKSC to pull off a thrilling 73-71 victory in Group B.
Rhayyan Amsali came up a rebound shy of a double-double with 18 points and nine boards but it was Winderlich Coyoca who provided the killer blows in the critical stages that enabled the Bullpups to foil the Blue Dragons on their home floor in the event backed by Choi Garden, Davies Paints, Cherrylume Roofing, Sumo GI Sheets, Molten and Masumax Food SupplementJohn Galinato sizzled with a game-high 24 points but missed a potential game-winning triple at the buzzer as CKSC dropped to an even 1-1 record after scoring an 81-65 win over Letran last Saturday.
San Sebastian came out victorious in the battle of two former tourney champions as the Staglets, the 2013 titlists, turned back inaugural titleholder Hope Christian High School, 69-64, in a crucial Group D showdown.
