NU, UE pull thru in Martin Cup

MANILA, Philippines - National University and University of the East hurdled their respective rivals in the eighth Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup at the FEU gym over the weekend.

The Bulldogs bucked a poor start with a strong second quarter charge as they outplayed the Lyceum Pirates, 56-51.

The Warriors, on the other hand, relied on Von Chavez and Roi Sumang down the stretch as they held off the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 71-64.

Reden Celda banged in 16 points for the Bulldogs, who picked up their fourth straight win in Group A, and moved ahead of the San Red Lions (3-0).

Chavez scored on a drive while Sumang hit two free throws in the last 19.7 seconds as the Warriors fended off the Generals, who threatened at 62-67.

It was UE’s third straight win as it stayed ahead of Letran (2-0) in Group B.

In other games, the Knights turned back the Our Lady of Fatima University Phoenix, 48-46, while Jackson Wong fired 21 points as Trinity University of Asia upset Mapua, 65-58.

Transferee Arvie Bringas shot 14 points for the FEU Tamaraws, who prevailed over the STI Olympians, 54-41.