Archers, Warriors cruise to semifinals

Already hobbled with a depleted roster, La Salle bucked the loss of one more key player as it routed Mapua, 91-66, in a fight-marred game in the quarterfinals of the second Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Invitational Cup at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Rookie Jonathan Webb was thrown out for a fighting foul against Mapua’s Kelvin dela Pena but the Archers rallied behind his ejection and dominated the Cardinals in the fourth quarter to win pulling away for a spot in the semis.

“Things like these should never have happened. The guy (Webb) is so young and he just wanted to play,” said Pumaren. “The first half saw two teams exchange baskets. I don’t want that scenario to happen again in the second half, so we just tightened up our defense in the second half.”   

With 1:04 left in the third period and La Salle up by 13, 66-53, Webb charged towards Dela Peña, who allegedly hit the La Salle cager earlier.

Webb was called for a fighting foul and was thrown out of the game. Pumaren rose from his seat and had a verbal tussle with Danny Gavieres, who called the shots in the absence of Leo Isaac. Both coaches were slapped with technical fouls.

Earlier, University of the East downed Jose Rizal U, 84-78, to advance to semis of the tournament, backed by Total Metro Oil, Canopy Homes, Flying V Biodiesel Premium, Smart, Boysen, Bayo, Metathione, Padi’s Point, CDO, Reyes Barbecue, Tanduay, Burlington, Chowking, Ecology Marine Transport Specialist, Inc., Diamond Purified Drinking Water, Nike and Happy Feet. 

San Beda arranged a semis clash with La Salle as it outlasted Far Eastern U, 97-94, in overtime in the third game.