PIP, Metro Pacific gain in DELeague quarterfinals

MANILA, Philippines - Power Innovation Philippines held off Macway Travel, 80-78, while Metro Pacific Toll Corp. upended Mindanao Agilas, 98-94, in the quarterfinal round of the fifth DELeague basketball tournament at the Marikina Sports Center Tuesday night.

NCAA Rookie of the Year and MVP Allwell Oraeme of Mapua put in a double-double job of 26 points and 14 rebounds while Ronald Roy backed him up with 14 markers and four boards as the Power Innovators thwarted the rallying Macway Travels side in a down-to-the-wire finish.

Paul Santiago and Niño Marquez topscored for Macway Travel with 19 points apiece.

Byron Villarias, meanwhile, fired 28 points while Raul Suyud came up with 17 markers and six rebounds as they powered Metro Pacific Toll Corp. past the Agilas, who were led by Jamal Warren’s 30 points.

Action resumes on Saturday with Hobe Bihon-Cars Unlimited facing Metro Pacific Toll Corp. at 7 p.m. and Sta. Lucia Land Inc. squaring off with Power Innovation Phl. at 8:30 p.m. for berths in the semifinals. Tickets are pegged at P10.

Far Eastern U-NRMF and Philippine Christian University took the first two spots in the Final Four by topping Groups A and B, respectively, in the elims of the event backed by PSBank, Accel Sportswear, PCA-Marivalley, Angel’s Burger, Mckie’s Construction Equipment Sales and Rentals, Luyong Panciteria, Azucar Boulangerie and Patisserie, JAJ Quick Print Advertising, Mall Tile Experts Corp., Jay Marcelo Tires, Polar Glass and Aluminum Supply, and Mr. and Mrs. Dot Escalona.

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