NU reaches Jumbo semis; Hope triumphs

MANILA, Philippines - National University trounced defending champion Chiang Kai Shek College, 86-67, to clinch the first semifinal berth while Hope Christian High School snapped a two-game skid with a victory over University of the East in the second PCABL Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Cup at the Philippine Buddhacare Academy gym in Quezon City over the weekend.

John Clemente and Rhayyan Amsali scored 11 points each while three other Bullpups shot identical 10 markers to help power NU to its fifth straight win in the preseason tournament for high school teams.

The top finisher after the single round elims will secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis.

Hope Christian HS, on the other hand, got 25 and 22 points from Mac Jacob and Miguel Quiambao, respectively, as it repulsed UE, 95-89, to improve to 2-2.

Reigning UAAP champion Ateneo likewise extended its streak to four since losing to NU in the opener as it crushed University of Santo Tomas, 98-67, in the tournament also sponsored by Smart Telecom, Advance Solutions Inc., Hapee Toothpaste, Fed Seal, Powerhouse, CW Home Depot and Powerbest Marketing.

Martin Mendoza and Jolo Mendoza led Ateneo’s attack with 21 and 16 points, respectively.

In the other game, Far Eastern University bounced back from a 79-61 loss to NU last week by beating Letran B, 88-70, behind Jack Gloria’s 20-point burst.

FEU’s win was its third in four games to likewise boost its semis bid.