UE, CEU book BBI women's hoops semis

MANILA, Philippines – The University of the East and Centro Escolar University featured in contrasting wins in the quarterfinals of the Breakdown Basketball Invitationals Women’s Under-25 tournament at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center.

The UE Lady Red Warriors had to brave a strong challenge by the University of the Philippines Lady fighting Maroons to prevail, 57-49. In a close match that saw eight lead changes and three deadlocks, it was UE that wrested control of the match in the halfway point of the third period.

After Gene Amar hit a triple to give UP a 36-35 lead at the 4:26 mark of that quarter, UE underscored their strength under the boards by grabbing three offensive boards and taking three attempts. One stop later, UE’s Princess Pedrigosa found the bottom of the net with a triple to give the Lady Red Warriors a 38-36 lead they would not surrender.

That triple kicked off a 7-2 run to close out the third period and give UE a slim 42-38 advantage heading into the final quarter.

UE spotted UP a nine-point lead, 55-46, in the last two minutes of the game. UE converted two more points while UP missed its three attempts including a free throw and turning the ball over thrice.

Pedrigosa led UE with 19 points and 12 rebounds while Christine Cortizano added 17. Gene Amar led UP with 13 points.

In the other Women’s U-25 quarterfinals match, Centro Escolar University, even with their graduation of many of their stars of recent years, had enough firepower to pummel College of St. Benilde, 57-36.

RM Gayo nailed a trey to give CEU a 14-12 lead at the 6:32 mark of the second period. The Lady Scorpions then pulled away leading by as much as 26 points, 57-31, after a Kathleen Sumarago triple with 5:15 left in the game.

Mercy Lawan led CEU with 13 points and 11 rebounds while Rica Parungao led CSB with nine markers.

The Lady Red Warriors will face De La Salle University in the BBI semifinals at 12:30 p.m. this Sunday, while Far Eastern University and CEU square off in the other Final Four matchup at 2 p.m. The games will be held at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center.