By ANGELO CAPARAS
University of Santo Tomas and La Salle University claimed the last two semifinal spots with contrasting victories over their respective rivals in the 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Friday, July 11 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Growling Tigers fended off multiple comeback attempts by Emilio Aguinaldo College to eke an 82-73 victory, while the Archers romped to a 95-77 win over the Arellano University Chiefs.
Mark Crisostomo led the way for UST with a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Kyle Paranada and Koji Buenaflor chipped in 12 points apiece.
EJ Castillo fired 14 points for the Generals, including consecutive jumpers in the closing minutes that sliced the lead down to 67–70.
Crisostomo responded with a triple that sparked the Growling Tigers’ run to pull away for good.
La Salle endured 20 lead changes in the first three periods before pulling away in the final frame for a blowout win.
Mason Amos powered La Salle with 15 points as Kean Baclaan and Jan Macalalang backed him up with 12 each.
Jeadan Ongotan led the Arellano with 17 points, followed by King Vinoya who contributed 11.
Sebastian Valencia finished with 10 points, including a basket that gave the Chiefs their last lead at 60-59 in the third quarter before Michael Phillips erased it with two free throws.
The Growling Tigers are set to battle National University, while the Green Archers will take on defending champion University of the Philippines in the semifinals on Sunday, July 13 at the PlayTime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
