Fr Martin Cup: NU stuns reigning titlist San Beda, tops Group A

Kyles Neypes made a lay-up with 7.3 seconds left to preserve National University's undefeated streak in the 8th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup, as the UAAP team escaped with an 83-81 win against defending champion San Beda College on the Red Lions' home court.

 

The win put the Bulldongs on to of Group A with a 7-0 slate, having dispatched the likes of Arellano University and Lyceum of the Philippines University.

 

Former under-18 national team member Troy Rosario paced the Sampaloc-based dribblers, as the NU big man dropped 17 points. NU's Alfredo Aroga tied the count at 81-all, canning a triple with 26 seconds left, as part of his 13 markers.

 

The Red Lions absorbed their second loss in the tournament, as circumstances prevented the reigning champions and NCAA titlists from appearing at full strength. Filipino-American recruit Julius Armon was suspended after being involved in a brawl in a previous game against Mapua Institute of Technology. San Beda big man Kyle Pascual was out with an injury, and point guard Baser Amer joined his teammate on the sidelines after getting hurt in the second quarter.

 

The tournament’s quarterfinals will begin next week, February 11, with NU going up against Group B fourth placer Our Lady of Fatima University Phoenix at 11:30 am.

NU completed a twin kill after the Lady Bulldogs massacred La Salle-Lipa, 112-31. Reigning champion College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers also tripped the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses, 63-58 to advance into the semifinal round.

 

Ma. Teresa Palma spearheaded the Lady Bulldogs with 18 points, while Jessa Sarael and Vartolomea de la Torre scored 16 and 15 each for the Lady Blazers. — AMD/JVP, GMA News