Centro Escolar University and Diliman College scored contrasting wins over separate rivals to bolster their semis bids in the PG Flex Invitational Tournament 2025 Quintana Cup held last Thursday, Oct. 30, at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The CEU Scorpions beat the Immaculada Concepcion College Blue Hawks, 76-70, for their third straight win and fourth overall in six games in the 9-team preseason tournament.
Not to be left out were the Diliman Blue Dragons who hacked out an 82-72 over the skidding Manila Central University Supremos – thanks to another stellar performance from Leonard Marana and wily guard Jake Yong.
Marana tallied 23 points and 4 boards while Yong had only four points but produced six assists and four boards as the drew level with the Scorpions in the steam standings.
As efficient as Merana and Yong were foreign-student athletes Khalid Moumbagna and Solomon Kone who logged in 12 points and 10 boards each.
Meantime, Gardner College continued its recovery from a 0-4 start with 92-71 thumping of the listless Letran side in the event backed by Smart Sports, Crane, Topflite, Hapee Toothpaste, Gerry’s Grill, Spalding, Mighty Bond and Best Options.
The win kept Gardner’s slim semis bid alive as it improved its win-loss record to 2-4.
Reigning UCAL champion Olivarez College and University of the Philippine still lead the league with 5-0 and 5-1 records, respectively.
The two teams clash on Thursday, Nov. 6, when the league returns from a break.
The top four teams after the elims advance to the knockout semis round with the No. 1 team going up against No. 4 while the Nos. 2 and 3 squads duel for the other final seat.
