By Jerome Lagunzad
Reigning NCAA titleholder La Salle-Greenhills and defending UAAP champion Far Eastern University-Diliman suffered crushing defeats on Tuesday, putting a painful end to their respective title bids in the 6th PSSBC Dickies Underwear Cup.
The Greenies, the Group D topnotcher, bowed to Chiang Kai Shek College Blue Dragons, 77-53, at the start of the knockout playoff round at the SGS Stadium in Araneta Avenue, Quezon City.
Jason Celis tallied a team-high 20 points off the bench while John Galinato added 19 points, spiked by three triples, for CKSC, which limited LSGH to just six points in the first period that set the tone for a lopsided victory.
Up next for CKSC in the do-or-die semifinals is University of Visayas.
The Baby Lancers, the reigning CESAFI titleholders, continued their dream run in the tournament also sponsored by Hapee Toothpaste, Blackwater, Freego Jeans, Poly Gloss, Rain or Shine, Che Lu Bar & Grill’s and MEC Computers by stunning the Baby Tamaraws, 75-74, in the quarterfinal round.
Big man Jancork Cabahug finished with 14 points and eight rebounds while Joshua Yerro added 13 points and 10 rebounds for UV, which made repeated stops in the final minute to hold off FEU’s rally.
Also emerging victorious in the Last 8 stage of the tourney which has Rudy Yu of Dickies Underwear as league chairman were NCAA powerhouse San Beda and UAAP counterpart National University.
The Red Cubs pulled off a come-from-behind 78-75 win over the Mapua Red Robins while the Bullpups cruised past the San Sebastian Staglets, 104-72, to arrange what promises to be a blockbuster encounter in the Final Four.
Also backing the event are Choi Garden, Davies Paints, Cherrylume Roofing, Sumo GI Sheets, Molten and Masumax Food Supplement.
Backup Jade Talampas had a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds while ace playmaker Evan Nelle collected 12 points, four assists and three steals for San Beda.
Standing in the way of the Red Cubs are the dangerous Bullpups, who have been on a tear behind their potent attack underscored by the combined 36-point output of Terrence Fortea and Winderlich Coyoca off the bench.
