MANILA, Philippines - The Ateneo Blue Eagles and the University of the East Warriors came up with convincing wins to snare quarterfinal berths last Sunday in the ninth Fr. Martin Division II Cup at the San Beda College gymnasium in Mendiola.
The Blue Eagles got a big lift from Vince Fran in the fourth quarter, and his efforts carried them to a 73-70 thwarting of the College of St. Benilde Blazers.
The UE Warriors banked on the Mutt and Jeff team of Samuel Razon and Nike Montalvo in repulsing the San Sebastian Stags, 62-58.
Fran, with his intimidating presence underneath, eked out 15 points, struck with nine points in the last 10 minutes, and his efforts allowed the Blue Eagles to end the eliminations with their fifth win in seven games.
The Loyola dribblers, with Chris Newsome leading with 22 points, took the second quarterfinal seat in Group A, and the Blazers still made it in the next phase with the same 5-2 slate.
The Adamson Falcons (4-3) took the fourth and last Group A slot and after beating the National University Bulldogs on a better tiebreak record.
The Warriors, with Razon making a gamehigh 20 points, joined the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals and the University of the Philippines Maroons in the quarterfinals after ending their Group B assignment with a 5-2 record.
In the junior division, the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers caught the last quarterfinals ticket in Group B, scoring a come-from-behind win over Colegio San Benildo,52-51, and with their 5-3 card, they took the Chiang Kai Shek Dragons with them as well.