JRU, Letran, UP, San Beda advance to Filoil semifinals

Three NCAA teams advanced to the semifinals of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Friday as Jose Rizal University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, and San Beda University won their respective quarterfinal matchups, with defending preseason champion University of the Philippines emerging as the lone remaining UAAP team in the tournament.

JRU opened the quarterfinals by edging National University, 62-61.

Jalen Garcia led the Heavy Bombers with 17 points, while Chris Hubilla added 15. Reinhard Jumamoy and Mohammed Diassana scored 13 points apiece for the Bulldogs.

Letran, meanwhile, outlasted the University of Santo Tomas, 103-102, in overtime.

The Knights trailed 102-98 with 17 seconds remaining in the extra period before Jimboy Estrada drilled a three-pointer and George Diamante converted the game-winning basket.

Chad Gammad paced Letran with 27 points, while Estrada and Aaron Buensalida added 22 and 19, respectively. Amiel Acido led UST with 20 points, while Koji Buenaflor chipped in 18 in the losing effort.

Defending champion UP also survived a scare, escaping Mapua University, 67-64.

Holding a slim 65-62 advantage with 20 seconds remaining, the Fighting Maroons sealed the win behind clutch free throws from Veejay Pre and Miguel Yñiguez.

Jacob Bayla led UP with 16 points, while Gani Stevens contributed 13. Cuenco was the lone Cardinal in double figures with 19 points.

In the final quarterfinal matchup, reigning NCAA champion San Beda defeated UAAP champion La Salle, 64-59.

The Green Archers trailed 62-59 with 16 seconds left before Penny Estacio knocked down two free throws after drawing a foul from Jcee Macalalag to seal the victory.

Zedjay Etulle and Dominic Sarigumba scored 10 points each to lead the Red Lions, while Mike Cortez and Mason Amos paced La Salle with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

JRU will face Letran in the semifinals on July 19, while UP and San Beda will battle for the other finals berth.

—JKC, GMA News