Xavier repulses CKSC

MANILA, Philippines - Tyler Tio exploded for 28 points as Xavier School rallied to beat Chiang Kai Shek College, 77-72, to barge into the semifinal round of the third Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship-Ironcon Builders Cup at the Chiang Kai Shek College gym in Tondo, Manila over the weekend.

The sweet-shooting Tio hit clutch baskets to key a decisive 14-3 run in the last four minutes as the Xavier Stallions arranged a semis duel with the reigning UAAP champion National University Bullpups.

Aside from shooting 10-of-20 from the field, including 3-of-6 from the three-point territory, Tio also hauled down eight rebounds to highlight another superb all-around performance.

The NU Bullpups, on the other hand, went to Mark Dyke in the final half to eke out a pulsating 78-76 victory over the Mapua Red Robins. The Bullpups and the Stallions were still playing at presstime together with the other semis match pitting NCAA champion San Beda and Far Eastern University.

Dyke delivered 10 of his game-high 20 points in the final period to help NU rally from a 60-66 deficit in the last five minutes. He also had 15 boards to finish with a double-double for the third straight game.

The Baby Tamaraws, meanwhile, leaned on the torrid shooting of Marvin Lee and Tricky Peromingan in the first half to beat Hope Christian High School, 78-61, and advance to the semis of the tournament also sponsored by MEC Computers, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Rain or Shine, Hapee Toothpaste, Blackwater-Ever Bilena, Dickies Underwear and Freego.

Mapua had one last chance to win the game but Sherwin Concepcion, who tied the count at 76 on back-to-back triples, missed the one that could’ve staked his claim as one of the league clutch shooters.

The Red Cubs leaned on the 21-point performance of Evan Furaque to dispatch the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers, 72-63.

Furaque scored all his 21 points in the second half, including the Red Cubs’ last 14 points in the third quarter to pull away for good.