San Beda, four others reach PSSBC quarters

MANILA, Philippines - Chami Diputado exploded for 29 points as NCAA titlist San Beda came from behind to nip Hope Christian High School, 76-74, while reigning UAAP champion National University bounced back from a stinging defeat to beat San Sebastian, 78-68, in the third Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship Ironcon Builders Cup Sunday at the Chiang Kai Chek College gym.  

Diputado made nine-of-18 from the field and dished off six assists to lead the Red Cubs to their second straight win in Group D and into the crossover quarterfinals slated on Saturday.

Also making it to the next round of the tournament sponsored by Dickies Underwear, MEC Computers, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Hapee Toothpaste, Freego, Ever Bilena-Blackwater and Rain or Shine were Jose Rizal University and Far Eastern University in Group B and Mapua and Xavier in Group C.

The Light Bombers routed St. Stephen High School, 100-34, thus eliminating the latter with their second straight loss while the Red Robins also handed University of the East Junior Warriors their second straight loss following a 67-58 win.

The NU Bullpups rattled off 28 points in the third period on the way to scoring a 10-point romp over the defending champion Stags to remain in contention for a quarterfinal berth in Group A.

The Bullpups suffered a heartbreaking 73-71 double overtime loss to the Chiang Kai Shek College side in the opener last Saturday.

Mark Dyke produced a double-double with 17 points and 10 boards and delivered six markers in the third quarter as the Bulldogs posted a 59-48 lead.

Diputado made five triples – the last coming in the final 10.7 seconds that turned out to be the game-winning basket.

“We really had a hard time because of Jolo’s (Go) shooting. Luckily, the team remained focus and Chami made that important shot,” said SBC coach JV Sison.

The sweet-shooting Go recorded a tournament-high 31 points but his efforts went down the drain as Hope Christian failed to check Diputado.