By Ivan Saldajeno
TANAUAN--TIP became the first team which is not part of either the NCAA, the UAAP, or the CESAFI which barged to the playoffs of the PCCL after crushing LNU, 86-67, in the first Luzon qualifier at the FAITH Indoor Sports Arena and Activity Center on Sunday.
The Engineers, who stunned the Mapua Cardinals and the St. Clare Saints to take one of the two Metro Manila regional berths, pulled away in the final three quarters to knock out the Dukes, the North Luzon regional winners who put up a good fight in the first period.
Jorey Napoles led a fluid TIP offense highlighted by a 44 percent field goal percentage and 30 assists with 12 points and three assists along with eight rebounds.
Jemuel Namocatcat nearly had a double-double as he added nine markers and eight dimes along with four rebounds, two steals, and three blocks.
Roxar Meledez led LNU with 17 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, and one steal but was credited with nine of the team's 35 total turnovers.
Olivarez, the South Luzon regional champion, can join TIP as the only "mid-majors" in the Elite Eight with an upset over NU later Sunday.
Box Scores:
TIP 86-Napoles 12, Ibañes 10, Tumalip 10, Namocatcat 9, Akrupu 8, Okoronkwo 7, Rodan 6, Medina 6, Gadon 5, Alcober 4, Alvarado 4, Benavides 3, Santos 2, Lara 0, Barranco 0
LNU 67-Meledez 17, Quisay 14, Yanga 10, Catabay 6, Ordoña 6, Ayad 5, Aquino 5, Suratos 4, Ramos 0, Roxas 0, Alipio 0, Bona 0
Quarterscores: 20-16, 42-30, 67-52, 86-67
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