Lions close in on Martin Cup quarters

MANILA, Philippines - Robert Bolick Jr. and William Manalo combined for 35 points as San Beda-A downed Letran, 72-63, to zero in on the first quarterfinal berth in the 13th Fr. Martin Division 2 Cup basketball tournament at the Arellano U gym in Legarda last weekend.

Bolick and Manalo hit clutch baskets in the final minute as the Lions weathered the Knights’ rally to within 61-65 to notch their third straight win and fifth overall against a loss in Group B.

Manalo also scored 15 points to power SBC to a 64-52 victory over UST last week.

San Beda-B, with Arnaud Noah firing 20 points, routed Jose Rizal U, 90-65, to even their record to 2-2 in Group A and stay in the quarterfinal hunt.

Benedict Adamos, meanwhile, shot 16 points, as he powered SBC-B to an 88-52 romp over Perpetual Help-Cavite also last week.

In the other match, Jayson Jordan poured in 25 points as AMA Computer University tripped JRU, 77-65.

In juniors division, National University trounced St. Jude, 45-36, to improve at 2-1 in Group B, while Jeremiah Pangalangan drilled in 25 points as Infant Jesus Academy blasted San Sebastian College, 95-63.