UE, JRU, Adamson shock favored opponents in Fr. Martin tilt

The University of the East Warriors, the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers and the Adamson Falcons surprised heavily favored foes last Tuesday in the quarterfinal round of 18th Fr. Martin Summer Cup basketball tournament.

The Warriors, made up mostly of team B players, survived a late rally and banked on the baskets of John Carlo Duncil, and a free throw from Chris Javier to frustrate La Salle, 64-63, at the St. Placid gymnasium of the San Beda College in Mendiola.

They earned with a semifinal berth with the Ateneo Blue Eagles, the Adamson Falcons and the JRU Heavy Bombers, who leaned on the penetrations of rookie Michael Mabulac in the closing minute to stun the Letran Knights, 89-79.

The Blue Eagles, led by Justine Chua and Oping Sumalinog with 14 and 12 points, put themselves in a knockout semifinal clash with the Adamson Falcons following an 81-61 demolition of the University of Perpetual Help Altas.

The Falcons, who earned the right to fight for a finals slot with the Blue Eagles, drew crucial baskets from Roider Cabrera and Rodney Brondial to escape with a 52-51 triumph over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

JM Noble fired 12 points for the UE Warriors, while Javier and Duncil had 11 and nine. Nate Matute topscored for 17 points for JRU and Eric Camson led the Falcons with 20.

Earlier in the women’s division, the La Salle Lady Archers walloped the Our Lady of Fatima University Lady Phoenix, 70-27, while the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws won over the Ateneo Lady Eagles, 43-41, to earn semifinal seats.

Miller Joy Ong banged in 11 points for the Lady Archers, who will clash with early semis qualifier, the Lyceum Philippine University Lady Pirates, for a finals berth.

Soc Borja made 10 points for the Lady Tams, who arranged a semis showdown with the Adamson Lady Falcons.

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