MANILA, Philippines -- The defending champion San Beda Red Lions and the Adamson Falcons turned back separate rivals to formally earn the top seedings in the quarterfinal round of ongoing 9th Fr. Martin Cup Collegiate Open basketball tournament.
The Red Lions, led by Ryusei Koga, Kyle Pascual, Art de la Cruz and Rome de la Rosa with 10 points apiece, swamped the Lyceum Pirates, 74-60, at the St. Placid gymnasium of the San Beda College-Manila campus in Mendiola.
The Falcons, meanwhile, got 18 points from Roider Cabrera as they trounced the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 69-35.
The JB Sison-coached Red Lions ended the elimination round campaign by taking the no. 1 spot in Group A, and with a 5-1 win-loss record.
The Leo Austria-mentored Falcons finished their six-game Group B assignment with a sweep, and took the top seed in their bracket.
San Beda will be able to reach the semifinal round if the Lions hurdle the winner between the third-ranked College of St. Benilde-B and the sixth seeded Lyceum Pirates, who will meet in a Group B wildcard playoff.
The Falcons will earn a semis seat once they get past the winner between the third-ranked Informatics Icons and sixth-ranked Mapua Cardinals.