National University launched its title-retention bid in style, dumping first-timer La Consolacion College, 109-82, to advance to the quarterfinals of the 8th PSSBC-Freego Cup Sunday at the SGS Stadium in Quezon City.
The Bullpups, also the reigning UAAP champions, dominated the first two quarters, slowed down a bit in the third before finally putting away the La Consolacion dribblers with one big salvo at the start of the payoff period to win pulling away in Group A elims.
With La Consolacion’s second defeat in as many games, NU towed opening day winner La Salle Greenhills to the next round no matter what happens to their game Monday.
The Greenies, who lost to the Bullpups in the final last season, outlasted La Consolacion, 87-85, in the opener last Saturday.
Also securing berths in the quarterfinals of the event also sponsored by Poly-Gloss, IronCon Builders, Macbeth Underwear, Happy Toothpaste, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, MEC Networks and Blackwater Sports were Ateneo, NCAA champion San Beda and Adamson.
Ateneo completed a two-game sweep of Group B with a 65-59 win over Fil-Chinese champion Hope Christian HS while Adamson eliminated Xavier School, 103-77 in Group D elims.
Lyceum, which absorbed a 72-68 loss to Far Easter University on Saturday, kept its quarterfinal bid alive with a 93-87 win over Chiang Kai Shek College.
Adamson’s win likewise pushed San Beda to the next round of the event also backed by Molten, Gerry’s Grill, Cherrylume, Sumo GI Sheet and Choi Garden.
The reigning NCAA champions also downed the Xavier Golden Stallions, 100-66, in the opener.