MANILA, Philippines – Mapua pool bets completed the quarterfinal cast via tiebreak in the final elimination date of the National Collegiate Billiards League also known as B-League at the Star Paper Billiards Center in Quezon City.
Trailing by a point to Adamson, the Cardinals posted three victories highlighted by sweep (3-0) win over De La Salle University and University of Makati and a close 2-1 decision over powerhouse Jose Rizal University.
With the Falcons bowing to the University of Santo Tomas 1-2, the Cardinals leaned on the winner-over-the other rule to advance to the elite eight of the league organized by Perry Mariano of Bugsy Promotions and Reli de Leon.
Mapua’s crucial moment came after the tandem of John Navarro and Rowell Co demolished the pair of Bombers’ Alfiniano Tagle and Efraim Cruz, 5-1, in 8-ball double and Co’s close shave against Cruz, 7-6.
Early quarterfinalists in the league backed by Accel, H2O Hotel, Manila Ocean Park, Star Publications, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Negros Billiards Stable, Malungai Life Oil, Niknok Pritson Manok, Hermes Sports Bar, Human Plus, Star Billiards Center, Brunswick, Bugsy Promotions, Mediacom, San Miguel Corporation and GSM Blue are St. Clare College of Caloocan City who led the elims with 89 points followed by National University (81), Philippine Maritime Institute (80), Far Eastern University and Lyceum with similar 79 points, JRU and UE compiled identical 69. Mapua and Adamson are tied with 65 but the Cardinals moved to the next round.
According to tournament director Verna Mariano, all quarterfinalists will play from scratch in the round to be covered by TV5 on primetime slot.