Perpetual, Xavier barge into semis in Fr. Martin Cup

MANILA, Philippines – The University of Perpetual Help Altas and the Xavier School Stallions booked for themselves the last semifinal slots in their bracket, while the San Beda Red Lions stayed in contention with a pair of wins in the ongoing 19th Fr. Martin Summer Cup basketball tournament.

The Altas finished second at 5-2 in Group B of the senior division, and earned their spot next to top finisher National University (7-0), and after the Ateneo Blue Eagles backed out from all their pre-season sorties.

The Blue Eagles, their lineup depleted by injuries according to team officials, have forced the team to forego its  three remaining games, and after racking up a 3-1 win-loss slate in Group B.

The Xavier School Stallions, behind Jacob Ejercito with 13 points, won over the University of Perpetual Help Altalettes, 77-66, to clinch the last semis slot in Group B at 5-2, and join the San Beda-A Red Cubs (8-0) in the next round.

The Red Lions, with assistant coach Ford Arao assigned by head coach Boyet Fernandez to call the shots, then blasted the PATTS College of Aeronautics Sea Horses, 84-49, Sunday at their home turf at the St. Placid gymnasium inside the San Beda College-Manila campus in Mendiola.

It was their second consecutive triumph after they first escaped with a 74-73 win over the Lyceum Pirates last Thursday at the Trinity University of Asia gymnasium in Quezon City. 

The Red Lions, who just returned from a training camp in the United States, hiked their win-loss record to 5-2 in Group B.

Their chance of reaching the semis with the Adamson Falcons will now rest on the outcome of the match between the University of the Philippines Maroons (4-2) and the RP Youth team.

 Commissioner Robert de la Rosa said the UP Maroons (4-2) will take the last seat to the semis on a better tiebreak record if they beat the nationals.

Cameroonian Donald Tankoua scored 27 points for the Red Lions when they fought off the Pirates, and he made 22 in their clash with the Sea Horses.