PCU Dolphins dwarf AMACU Titans, 95-88

The Philippine Christian University Dolphins, missing the services of Gabby Espinas who has turned pro this year, has to lean on the clutch plays of Jason Castro to defeat the AMA Computer University Titans, 95-88 — entering the quarterfinal round of the 4th Collegiate Champions League at the San Beda College Gym Monday afternoon. Castro triggered a 6-0 run in the closing seconds that paved the way for his team to enter the next round. Castro, however, lost the chance of becoming the Finals MVP after the Dolphins failed to compete their rally in the deciding game against San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA Final Four. "Alam namin kung kanino kami pupunta nung nakalapit sila (Titans)," said PCU coach Joel Dualan. Dualan was referring to Castro, who finished with 21 points. But obviously, the Dolphins missed the game play of Espinas, the first rookie to win the MVP award in the NCAA, who is part of their double-double offensive machinery. The Dolphins-sans-Espinas team squandered a 10-point advantage in the first quarter and an 87-80 lead in the last three minutes before that pivotal 6-point rally in the last 1:10 of the game. "Nami-miss namin si Gabby (Espinas). But life should go on," Dualan said. "At saka nahirapan din kaming mag-adjust sa laro ng AMA dahil wala kaming alam sa system nila before this game." The fourth seeded Dolphins will face the fifth seeded University of the East Warriors in the quarterfinals tomorrow. Scores: PCU (95) – Castro 21, Belga 16, Chien 12, Garrido 12, Navarro 8, Amparado 6, David 6, Vidal 6, Graham 5, Javelona 2, Hermosa 1, Santos 0, McCoy 0, Salem 0. AMACU (88) – Jaime 30, Mercado 21, Gabica 14, Dela Peña 7, Galang 6, Abac 5, Zablan 3, Vergara 2, Suarez 0, Franco 0. Quarters: 26-16; 41-45; 71-61; 95-88

- GMANews.TV