UP nips RP Youth 5, barges into Fr. Martin Cup semis

Games Today

(Thursday, Trinity University of Asia gymnasium)

8 a.m. San Beda vs DLS-Zobel (jrs)

9:30 a.m. Xavier School vs Letran (jrs)

11 a.m. NU vs UP (srs)

12:30 p.m. UPHSD vs Adamson (srs)

MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines Maroons kept the RP Youth team at bay, 75-53, and reached the semifinals of the ongoing 19th Fr. Martin Summer Cup basketball tournament Monday at the Trinity University of Asia gymnasium in Quezon City.

With Benjie  Paras’ sons, Andre and Kobe, playing on opposing teams, the Maroons took charge right away and never looked back after posting a 21-13 first quarter lead.

The Ricky Dandan-coached Maroons finished Group A with their fifth win in seven games, and they made it to the semifinals with the Adamson Falcons, who topped their bracket with a 6-1 slate, according to commissioner Robert de la Rosa. Earlier, the Fatima University Lady Phoenix escaped with a 58-56 win over AMA Computer College, 58-56, in the women’s action.

The San Beda Red Lions tied the Maroons  at 5-2 following back-to-back wins over the Lyceum Pirates, 74-73, and the PATTS College of Aeronautics Sea Horses, 84-49. But a better quotient record put the Maroons in the semis.

Martin Pascual and Chris Ball made nine and eight points, while Raul Soyud and Julius Wong had seven each for the Maroons, who will clash with the National University Bulldogs at 11 a.m. in Thursday’s semis encounter at the Trinity University of Asia.

The Falcons will meet the University of Perpetual Help Altas at 12:30 p.m.

With Ball keeping an eye on 6’4 slotman Kobe Paras, the Maroons stayed on top, 38-27 at halftime, and they widened their edge to 17, 52-35, in the third off Wong’s attacks.

Pascual’s triple and Andre Paras’ drive in the last four minutes saw the Maroons gain a 25-point edge, 70-45.

The nationals, coached by Jamike Jarin and with Benjie Paras helping out, still managed to score on a dunk by Kobe in the last five seconds.