UP-Letran, Olivarez-CEU in Quintana Cup semis
MANILA, Philippines — Reigning UCAL champion Olivarez College ended its two-game skid with an 86-80 win over bitter rival Centro Escolar University to clinch the No. 2 seed at the close of the elims of the PG Flex Invitational Tournament 2025 Quintana Cup on Monday, November 17, at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Protecting a precarious 82-80 lead, the Sea Lions banked on Hakim Njiasse’s powerful inside play and the steady hands of Bryan Manuel in the last 66 seconds to prevail and finish the 9-team preseason tournament at No. 2 with a 6-2 mark.
CEU ended up tied with Letran for third to fourth places with similar 5-3 records but took the No. 3 seed due to the winner over the other rule, giving the Mendiola-based squad a chance to get back at Olivarez in their knockout semis duel on Thursday, November 21, also at the same venue.
University of the Philippines, which took the No. 1 seed as early as last week, expectedly scored a 91-82 victory over the winless Immaculada Concepcion College to finish with a 7-1 record. The former defaulted its opening game against Manila Central University.
The Maroons, led by the deadly troika of the 6-foot-5 Veejay Pre, Russell Ogana and James Payosing, battle the Knights in the other semis pairing carrying the momentum of an amazing seven-game winning streak in the event backed by Smart Sports, Crane, Topflite, Hapee Toothpaste, Gerry’s Grill, Spalding, Mighty Bond, Best Options, Multimotors Auto Parts, Vital Water and AZI.
Meantime, Gardner College continued to impress as it demolished San Sebastian College, 76-61, to finish seventh overall with a 3-5 card.
The 6-foot-8 Njiasse logged 25 points and 19 boards plus three assists while Christian Vergara and Manuel combined for 23 points. Also delivering for Olivarez was Jeremy Guarino who had 14 points spiked by two triples.
Using his height, heft and speed to his advantage, Pre produced a solid all-around performance of 17 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists, while Ogana and Payosing added 15 points each. Not to be left out were Rain Maga and Eliott Dimaculangan who combined for 23 points.
Diliman College wound up fifth with a 4-4 card followed by MCU (4-4), SSC (1-7) and ICC (0-8).
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