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Malayan prevails over FEU-FERN in battle of Manila league champs

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--At least for one night, the NCAA proved that one of its member schools can beat a counterpart from the UAAP.

Malayan subdued FEU-FERN, 64-60, in a battle of champions in the nightcap of Day 2 of the NBTC National Finals at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Tuesday.

The Red Robins sizzled for 23 points in the third quarter, but they still needed to withstand the Baby Tamaraw's defensive pressure in the final canto to escape with the win.

Will Gozum tallied 12 points and eight rebounds to lead the way for Malayan, which locked in the top seed in Group B after completing a 3-0 sweep of the group stages.

JJ Sapinit led FEU-FERN, which fell to the second seed in the group, with 15 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Meanwhile, La Salle-Lipa walloped St. La Salle, 78-42, in a La Sallian derby in Division 2.

The Stingers stumbled into the Chevrons' defensive prowess most of the game, even scoring less than 10 in two quarters.

Raphael Dimayuga led La Salle-Lipa with 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, and block, while Aeron Lupac added 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Riggy Alinsuring had 11 points and one rebound for St. La Salle.

In the remainder of the Division 2 schedule for the day, JTLSS defeated La Finns, 78-73, Isabela Colleges mauled Langatian High, 78-60, New Ormoc High subdued STI Malolos, 55-50, and Assumption Montessori turned back St. Robert's International, 65-61.

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