Fr. Martin Cup: NU, UE stay undefeated, book quarterfinal slots

UAAP teams National University and University of the East continued their undefeated streaks and annexed quarterfinals berths in their respective groups in the 8th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup basketball tournament, Saturday at the Arellano University Gym in Legarda. The Bulldogs, fifth placers in last season’s UAAP tournament, leaned on solid interior defense in the final period to dispatch the Arellano University Chiefs, 63-51, on the Chiefs’ homecourt. NU allowed just nine points in the fourth period and Alfredo Aroga sank 16 points to lead his team to their sixth consecutive victory and the first quarterfinals berth in Group A. Rocky Acidre led with 14 points for the Chiefs, who fell to a share of second spot with the defending champion San Beda Red Lions, with both teams flashing 3-1 records. In the third mens’ match of the day, the UE Red Warriors leaned on Pedrito Galanza and Chris Javier in the absence of some of their key players, as they demolished the De La Salle - Lipa Chevrons, 85-58. Galanza topscored for the Warriors with 14 points, while Javier chipped in 13 markers as they led their team in clinching a quarterfinals seat in Group B. Meanwhile, the Our Lady of Fatima University Phoenix leaned on a three point shot from Paul Pineda with 0.6 of a second to get past the STI Olympians, 70-67. - AMD/KBK, GMA News