MIKE SILUNGAN KNOCKED IN 22 POINTS as University of the Philippines turned back a pesky Perpetual Help squad, 89-86, Saturday to clinch the second quarterfinal berth in the FilOil-Flying V First Five Invitational Cup.
The Maroons wrapped up their elimination campaign with a 5-2 record in Group A, just a week after the Ateneo Blue Eagles secured the first quarterfinal berth with a 6-1 slate.
Woody Co and Martin Reyes dropped 17 points apiece for the Maroons, who led by 10 at halftime, 44-34, at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.
In the second match, Cameroonian Emmanuel Mbe blocked a potential-game winning basket as National University
slipped past Adamson, 67-65, for its first victory in four outings.
Mbe rejected Alex Nuyles’ three-point attempt just seconds after nailing a free throw that set the final count.
Jose Rizal University capped a day of thrillers with a 93-92 squeaker over University of the East.
Nchotu John Njei canned two free throws to give the Bombers a 93-90 buffer with 19.2 seconds left but Paul Lee made it a one-point game with two free throws.
Lee had a chance to win the game for the Warriors, but missed a desperation heave at the buzzer.
The Bombers hiked their record to 5-2 in Group B while the Falcons slipped to 3-2 in the tournament backed by Mighty Bond Extreme, Total Phils. Corp., San Marino Corned Tuna, Accel, Filoil Gas Company, Flying V and Hanesbrands.
Mbe finished with 24 points and Kokoy Hermosisima added 21 for the Bulldogs.
“I keep on emphasizing discipline,” said new NU coach Eric Gonzales. “I told my players that the more disciplined team will win the game.”
In juniors play, University of Santo Tomas downed UPIS, 97-91, in overtime while University of the East tripped Arellano, 86-81. With a report from Denison Rey A. Dalupang, Contributor
The senior scores:
First Game
UP 89—Silungan 22, Co 17, Reyes 17, Padilla 11, Saret 7, Juruena 6, Manuel 4, Reyes 2, Lopez 2, Mbah 1, Maniego 0, Sison 0, Pascual 0, Gomez 0.
PERPETUAL 86—Vidal 19, Gomez 18, Danganan 17,Nuilan 14, Arboleda 7, Elopre 6, Sumera 3, Allen 2, Kintanar 0, Sison 0, Alano 0, Paulino 0, Roño 0, Salvado 0, Asuncion 0.
Quarters: 26-20, 44-34, 65-60, 89-86
Second Game
NU 67—Mbe 24, Hermosisima 21, Baloran 9, Ponferrada 4, Nlepe Nlepe 3, Khobuntin 2, Javillonar 2, Terso 2, Ludovice 0, Magat 0, Tungcul 0, Erirobu 0, Singh 0, Malanday 0.
ADAMSON 65—Alvarez 13, Nuyles 12, Camson 8, Manyara 7, Cabrera 7, Lozada 4, Brondial 4, Etrone 3, Colina 3, Galinato 2, Cañada 2, Importante 0.
Quarters: 12-14, 35-40, 50-53, 67-65.
Third Game
JRU 93—Njei 23, Lopez 12, Hayes 12, Etame 10, Kabigting 10, Almario 9, Matute 8, Apinan 6, Badua 3. Bulangis 0, Montemayor 0.
UE 92—Lee 34, Martinez 18, Acibar 14, Zamar 10, Enguio 10, Duran 4, Ayala 2, Sumido 0, Razon 0, Noble 0, Flores 0.
Quarters: 12-14, 30-35, 50-48, 70-70 (reg), 80-80 (1st OT) 93-92 (2nd OT)