Games Thursday
(Paco Arena, Manila)
4 p.m. – Gardner vs Olivarez College
5:45 p.m. – Letran vs ICC
7:30 p.m. – MCU vs CEU
San Sebastian College-Recoletos showed its might right away by dumping Immaculada Concepcion College, 85-64, in the opening of the PG Flex Invitational Tournament 2025 Quintana Cup on Monday, Sept. 29, at the Paco Arena.
Axl Ross Taporco led SSC-R’s mighty assault in the second quarter, coming through with daring drives to spark the Stags’ decisive breakaway.
The 5-foot-11 Taporco led a balanced SSC-R attack with 17 points while Jew Hinoquin and Renz Robin Bernardo added 16 points. Four other players, including Josemaria Gomez De Liano – younger brother of PBA players Juan and Javi – added 6 points or more.
The opening of the preseason tournament which has the backing of Smart Sports, Crane, Topflite, Hapee, Gerry’s Grill, Spalding, Mighty Bond and Best Options, was graced by PG Flex Linoleum owner Nelson Guevarra, Manila Councilor Jefferson Lau and UCAL Director Bong Nebrija.
In the other game, Letran needed a late game heroic from Neil Narvaez to survive the spirited challenge of Diliman College, 74-72.
Protecting a slim 69-67 lead, Narvaez made the Blue Dragons pay dearly for leaving him slightly open by draining a 3-point shot – his lone field goal for the night. He also made his both free throws.
Diliman had several chances to snatch the lead back but it misfired.
Denzil Sison-Walker showed what he’s capable of doing after posting significant numbers of 21 points, 5 boards and 1 assist in almost 28 minutes of action.
Meantime, reigning UCAL champion Olivarez College launches its bid for another title when he battles Gardner College in another 3-game schedule that will see the Knights going for their second win against ICC and Centro Escolar University taking on Manila Central University.
