DLS-Zobel, CKS gain PSSBC quarterfinals

MANILA, Philippines - De La Salle-Zobel and Chiang Kai Shek College completed a sweep of their respective group eliminations to advance to the quarterfinal round of the fourth Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championships (PSSBC) Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Cup at the Philippine Buddhacare Academy gym last Tuesday.

Brent Paraiso and Aljun Melecio stamped their class early as the Junior Archers dominated the Lyceum Junior Pirates from start to finish to fashion out an 85-56 romp in Group A.

The Junior Archers thus emerged as the only UAAP squad to have survived the rash of upsets as teams from NCAA and Fil-Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation (FCAAF) imposed their will in the annual tournament presented by Jumbo Plastic Linoleum.

The CKSC Dragons, on the other hand, banked on the late game heroics of Martin Galinato and Joshua Ramirez to down Adamson Baby Falcons, 55-47, and likewise sweep the Group B elims of the event backed by Molten as official ball.

The Blue Dragons’ victory also gave the Mapua Red Robins a free ride to the quarters.

Defending champion San Beda and Xavier School were the first teams to sweep their group elims with the Red Cubs topping Group D and the Xavier Stallions ruling Group C.

Hope Christian High School became the third team from FCAAF to earn a quarterfinal berth after Xavier and CKSC by beating University of Santo Tomas, 75-71, in the tournament also sponsored by MEC Networks, Ironcon Builders, Blackwater Sports, Freego, Hapee Toothpaste, Rain or Shine and Dickies Underwear.

Arellano University completed the quarterfinals after eking out a 74-72 win over the FEU Baby Tamaraws.

Phl Under-16 standout Harvey Pagsanjan led Hope with 17 points, including the go ahead triple with less than two minutes left to give Hope a 69-66 lead. He also had 11 boards.

The match between DLS-Zobel and Mapua will be aired tomorrow on AksyonTV at 9 p.m. while the next three matches for the day will be aired on Saturday starting at 1 p.m.