UAAP champion Far Eastern U and NCAA titleholder Letran clash at 2 p.m. with the winner facing top favorite St. Francis of Assisi in the Final Four.
The Tamaraws, runners-up to the University of the East Warriors in the initial staging of the tournament last year, advanced after taking the measure of CUSA champion Las Piñas College, 69-61, in the Sweet 16.
Letran had a slightly harder time against qualifier Emilio Aguinaldo College, battling the Generals through 15 deadlocks and 12 lead changes before prevailing at 74-69.
Dennis Miranda and UAAP Finals MVP Arwind Santos will again banner the FEU charge in their bid to win a second straight intercollegiate tournament in the off season.
In the last Big Eight encounter, Ateneo faces upset-conscious Holy Cross of Davao College, conqueror of UE.
The Eagles, nearly booted out by Jose Rizal University in the initial round, couldn’t afford to have a slow start this time as the Crusaders have shown they too can finish with a flurry.
The Crusaders have fought the Warriors neck-to-neck in the first three quarters before pulling away in the final frame for an 88-79 shocker.
Waiting the winner between Ateneo and Holy Cross is San Sebastian College.