Bullpups topple Jr Maroons, near PCABL sweep

MANILA, Philippines - National University trounced University of the Philippines Integrated School, 92-79, to post its seventh straight win and gain a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis in the second PCABL Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Cup at the Philippine Buddhacare Academy gym in Quezon City last Sunday.

Joshua Jugar scored 11 of his game-high 22 points in the third quarter as the Bullpups outplayed the Junior Maroons and moved to within a win from sweeping the single-round elims.

The talented guard also had four assists, three rebounds and three steals to clinch the Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Player of the Game award.

Jugar also drew solid backup from Carl Penano and Justin Baltazar who combined for 24 points as the Bullpups outscored the Junior Maroons, 28-21, in the second quarter to grab a 44-38 lead.

Reigning UAAP champion Ateneo took the second semis berth by downing Far Eastern University, 84-63, in the event also backed bySmart Telecom, Advance Solutions Inc., Hapee Toothpaste, Fed Seal, Powerhouse, CW Home Depot and Powerbest Marketing.

Shaun Ildefonso, Bryan Andrade and Jolo Mendoza played true to form to power the Eaglets to their fifth win against a loss.

Defending champion Chiang Kai Shek College, meanwhile, boosted its semis chances by tripping University of Santo Tomas, 91-83, behind Joshua Ramirez, Andre Oczon and Allen Toribio who all scored 13 points apiece.

With four players scoring in double digits, Hope Christian High School improved to 3-3 following a 77-58 drubbing of Letran-B.

Ildefonso, one of two sons of former PBA MVP Danny Ildefonso, led the Eaglets with 17 points to likewise win the Jumbo Player of the Game award.