RJ Tadeo went on a scoring spree for five minutes to power Manila Central University to an upset 74-61 win over last year’s runnerup Olivarez College on Thursday in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League-PG Flex Linoleum Season 6 at the Paco Arena in Manila.
With the Supremos holding a 59-54 lead early in the fourth frame, Tadeo, a 5-foot-8 guard, suddenly exploded, stringing up 11 points spiked by three triples as the Caloocan-based squad finally ripped the game wide apart, 70-54, with 3.15 remaining.
The Sea Lions, who were swept by the Centro Escolar University Scorpions in their best-of-three title series, never recovered from Tadeo’s surprise showing.
Tadeo wound with 16 points, six rebounds and two assists while three other starters also ended up in double figures with Bi Tizie Yannick Dje coming through with another double-double of 14 points and 15 boards.
University of Batangas improved its record to 4-3 after overpowering Lyceum of the Philippines University, 85-76, in the battle of teams from Batangas.
The Pirates fell to 3-4, putting their bid to finish in the top four in peril.
Only Seanne Devon General from MCU’s starting unit failed to breach the double-figure mark with Andrei Romenez and Jan Hilao chipping in 15 and 10 points respectively.
The Supremos ended with a 3-5 card but they can improve their position if they play much better in the second phase where the fifth to ninth placers play another round.
