Lion Hearts edge UB 5, stay in race

Games today (FAITH gym, Tanauan)

2 p.m. – La Finns Scholastica vs Adamson

4 p.m. – Perpetual vs La Salle

MANILA, Philippines - La Finns Scholastica of La Union wiped out a 14-point deficit and nipped University of Batangas at the finish, 89-86, in the PCCL Sweet 16 to advance to the next stage at the packed First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) gym in Tanauan City, Batangas yesterday.

The Lion Hearts, first-timers in the Sweet 16, turned to diminutive guard Jonathan Graycochea (15 points and 13 rebounds) in posting the come-from-behind victory that kept them in contention for a Final Four slot.

La Finns Scholastica, the reigning North/Central Luzon titlist which endured long travel from its base in San Fernando, La Union, meets Adamson today, also at FAITH, to dispute a berth in the round-robin semis.

The Falcons, behind Jansen Rios’ 15-point and seven-rebound performance, trounced the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 79-54, in the other contest.   

Unleashing a number of flashy moves, Graycochea presided over the Lion Hearts’ fightback, teaming up with center Benbert Bayo to pull La Finns back into the game and give the squad an 84-79 cushion going to the last 2:26 of the contest.

UB, the South Luzon/Bicol winner that enjoyed a 64-50 lead behind the efforts of southpaw guard Kevin Medrano and burly center Edzel Mag-isa, fell into a maze of errors down the stretch, enabling the Lion Hearts to strike back.

La Salle and Perpetual Help clash in the other game at 4 p.m. The Archers and the Altas made it to the Sweet 16 outright on the strength of their fourth place finishes in the UAAP and NCAA, respectively.