National youth hammers CUSA

Incoming Mapua rookie Hermes Sumalinog delivered the killer blows in the third period as the Talk N Text-National Youth Pool A put away Sta. Lucia-CUSA, 87-78, Friday in the first Bert Lina-Six Feet and Above Junior Basketball Cup at the UST gym.

Sumalinog, who only made seven points, scored one of two triples as he and Darryl Mendoza took charge with a decisive 12-6 run which sent the unbeaten Junior Phone Pals to the semifinal round with their fourth straight triumph.

The Junior Phone Pals then maintained their composure in the final quarter as defensive plays from Kevin Astorga, Edwin Asoro and Jonathan Fernandez kept the Junior Realtors from coming any closer.

Fernandez and Mendoza led the Pals with 15 and 13 points, respectively, while Astorga, Mendoza and Michael Galinato showed the way with 10 points apiece.

"Hermes’ hustle plays and the triples by Jonathan Fernandez worked miracles for the team in the third quarter. That was what kept us ahead," said Johnny Tam.