Fr Martin Cup: Agovida, Acidre power Arellano past UE

Former NCAA junior Most Valuable Player (MVP) Keith Agovida and Rocky Acidre teamed up to power Arellano University to an 80-71 trouncing of University of the East in the quarterfinals of the 8th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup at the St. Placid Gym inside the San Beda College Manila campus in Mendiola. Agovida and Acidre led Arellano's third-quarter offensive assault with Dioncee Holt and Adam Serjue providing support as the Chiefs turned a 43-36 halftime deficit to a 62-56 lead entering the final canto. The Legarda-based quintet played exceptional down the stretch and survived the Red Warriors' numerous comeback attempts to advance to the semifinals. Agovida fired 12 of his team-high 18 points in Arellano's third-quarter breakaway. Acidre added 14 markers. Arellano will meet the National University Bulldogs at 1:30 p.m. when the semis round starts on Sunday at the Trinity University of Asia gymnasium in Quezon City. The other semis pairing will have defending champion San Beda Red Lions facing the Letran Knights at 12 noon. In women's semis action, the Lyceum Lady Pirates take on the NU Lady Bulldogs at 9 a.m., while reigning titlist College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers battle the Adamson Lady Falcons at 10:30 a.m. — JVP, GMA News