Adamson, Letran advance to q’finals of PCCL

THE Adamson Soaring Falcons and the Letran Knights gained slots in the Elite Eight after beating their respective opponents in the ongoing 2011 Philippine Collegiate Champions League yesterday at the Arena in San Juan.

The Falcons, playing with its top gunners hampered with injuries, got past the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 73-58, as they got terrific performances from Austin Manyara and Janus Lozada.

The Knights on the other hand, eked past the La Salle Green Archers, 66-61, in what was Kevin Alas’ one and only game in the PCCL this season.

Alas is scheduled to fly to the United States today to train with minor-league team Los Angeles Slam of the American Basketball Association. He had 14 points yesterday, the same output as Kevin Racal. The Knights will next face UAAP runners-up, Far Eastern University Tamaraws tomorrow.

Manyara asserted his size to chalk up 12 of his 16 points at the stripe to go along with nine rebounds and a block while Lozada had a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds.

The Falcons, who battles NCAA finalist San Sebastian next, were still without their star Alex Nuyles due to a shoulder injury while playmaker Lester Alvarez played limited minutes.

Adamson shook off a lethargic start to lead by eight, 48-40, to start the final quarter.

Jeckster Apinan paced JRU with 17 points.  /Correspondent Jonas Panerio