REYNALD MAGALLON

National University set up a Final Four clash against Adamson University while Centro Escolar University and University of Perpetual Help arranged their own semis duel in the PG Flex Linoleum UCBL Pre-Season tournament Monday at the SGS Gym in Quezon City.

The Bulldogs got a free passage to the semifinals as the Far Eastern University Tamaraws forfeited their quarters match due to health and safety protocols. 

As a result, NU won by default 20-0 to punch its ticket to the semis against Adamson which earlier fended off a gritty Olivarez College, 66-60, in their own quarterfinals clash.

Ray Allen Torres showed up with 13 points while John Calisay added 12 for the Falcons who survived repeated rallies from the Sea Lions late to bag the victory.

CEU, likewise, came through in crunchtime to eliminate Emilio Aguinaldo College, 85-83, all thanks to the timely baskets from Ron Rei Tolentino and Ayodeji Balogun. The two scored the last seven points to keep the Scorpions’ heads above the water in the waning minutes.

The Generals had the chance to send the game to an extra period but Mhelmas Balowa missed his three-point attempt in their final possession. Tolentino dropped 20 points on four triples while Balogun added a double-double of 10 points and 15 rebounds.

Over at the other quarters pairing, Perpetual pulled away late and eked out an 84-77 triumph over Philippine Christian University-Dasmarinas to complete the semis cast.The Altas unleashed a deciding 8-0 run in the final three minutes to create the much-needed separation against the Dolphins. 

Four players scored in double figures for Perpetual led by Marcus Nitura who finished with 18 points. He got ample support from Mark Omega and Jielo Razon who finished with 14 and 11 respectively.