MANILA, Philippines - The Far Eastern University Tamaraws, the Our Lady of Fatima University Phoenix and the Lyceum Philippines University Lady Pirates made their presence felt last Sunday, frustrating favored rivals at the Arellano University gymnasium in Legarda.
The Tamaraws ambushed the undermanned and reigning PCCL champion San Sebastian Stags, 70-59, and entered the quarterfinal round of the eighth Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup.
The Phoenix did likewise, blasting the La Salle-Lipa Chevrons, 83-44, and with the Tamaraws, they secured the last two available quarterfinal tickets in Group B.
In the women’s side, the LPU Lady Pirates downed the La Salle-Lipa Lady Chevrons, 80-32, to clinch the second automatic semifinals slot with their 4-1 win-loss card.
The Tams, who still have a remaining game, improved their win-loss record at 4-2, and they made it with the Phoenix (4-3), along with early qualifiers, the Letran Knights and the University of the East Warriors.
Playing without scoring ace RR Garcia, the Tams led from start to finish, with Terrence Romeo leading with 20 points, and Russell Escoto providing 11.