Blazers, Tams,Warriors enter quarterfinals

Former NCAA champion Saint Benilde defeated Holy Cross of Davao in a physical contest last Saturday, 96-83, to reach the quarterfinals of the Unigames basketball competition at the Palaruang La Salle of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas.

The Blazers, who won the NCAA crown in 2000, engaged the Crusaders in a thrilling shootout before tempers flared in the final 3:47 when Regin Rañises and Carlo Manding almost came to blows after a rebound battle.

Ranises was slapped an unsportsmanlike foul while Manding was thrown out for retaliating. After that brief scuffle, the Crusaders were never the same again, losing their touch from inside and out, and allowing the Blazers to pull off the victory.

Alvin Magpayo delivered 16 points for St. Benilde and was ably supported by Titus Mendoza and Paolo Orbeta who combined for 22 points.

Reigning UAAP champion FEU, meanwhile, disposed of University of Iloilo, 95-56, to enter the next round. Jay Sierra led the Tamaraws with 18 points while Jeff Chan chipped in 14 and Jonas Villanueva 11.

At the Orchard Golf and Country Club, Emilio Aguinaldo College-Manila missed the chance to reach the next round when it lost to University of the East, 66-82.

Rolly Masbang and Marcelino Arellano had splendid games for the Warriors, combining for 26 points, while Paolo Hubalde and Charles provided support, scoring 13 and 10 each, respectively.

Not to be outdone was Adamson University, which booked a seat in the quarters by clawing Baguio Colleges Foundation, 76-65. Rookie Patrick Cabahug had 17 points and Kim Gandarosa back him up with 14.