Tams, Cardinals complete FCBL semifinal roster

MANILA, Philippines - Mapua (Malayan) and Far Eastern U bested their respective rivals to complete the semifinal cast in the FCBL-Freego Cup at the Buddhacare gym in Quezon City over the weekend.

The Red Robins, with Sonny Coprado on the firing end, downed University of Santo Tomas, 70-61, while the Baby Tams leaned on the brilliant all-around performance of Richard Escoto to whip reigning UAAP champion National University, 79-72.

For their sterling games, Coprado and Escoto emerged as Freego Player of the Game winners.

With its win, FEU finished the nine-team tournament also sponsored by Smart, at No. 3 with a 5-3 card.

Mapua wound up tied with Ateneo and STI for fourth at 4-4, but the Red Robins advanced via the winner-over-the-other rule over the Eaglets. STI lost in the point system.

The Baby Tams thus set up a semis showdown with reigning Tiong Lian champion Chiang Kai Shek College while Mapua will take on defending champion Hope Christian High School today, also at the Buddhacare gym.

Hope Christian closed out its campaign on high note by edging past Chiang Kai Shek College, 72-69, in the event backed by Hapee Toothpaste, Fruitas Fruit Shake, Nikon Home Appliances, Colt Commercial, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Fern-C and Insular Square (Cebu). 

Ateneo beat Adamson, 68-65, to close out its campaign.