DEFENDING champions Immaculada Concepcion College banked on the dynamic duo of Paul Gadin and Totoy Ramirez to secure an 72-52 victory over St. Dominic College of Asia, even as top seed Olivarez College triumphed over the University of Luzon, 90-69, in their quarterfinal matches in the 30th NCRAA (National Capital Region Athletic Association) basketball tournament at the Olivarez gym in Parañaque City.

Gadin and Ramirez combined for 46 points in a brilliant display of firepower to the delight of ICC president Marco Agana and coach Ogie Gumatay.

Gadin erupted for 16 of his 26 points in the first half, highlighted by six triples, and added five assists and four rebounds in 34 minutes of action.

Ramirez contributed 20 points, five assists, five steals, and four rebounds.

Alfred Flores was limited to just 11 points on 2-of-10 shooting from the field on top of seven boards and five dimes.

Didoy Proel led the losing effort of the Pikemen of coach Bong Dela Cruz, scoring 15 points on 5-of-13 shooting from the floor and grabbing seven rebounds in 32 minutes of play.

Edward Clarete contributed 10 points and 14 rebounds,followed by Edward Daquioag with nine points and six rebounds and Ivan Ares with seven points and eight rebounds.

Meanwhile, John Umali, MJ Gallano and Hanz Maycong led the balanced scoring attack for the Mike Saguiguit-mentored Sea Lions.

Umali delivered a double-double performance with 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting and 10 rebounds in 23 minutes of play.

Gallano chipped in 16 points and six rebounds, and Maycong contributed 15 points and five rebounds.

Rodel Renon also contributed to the Sea Lions’ effort with nine points and five rebounds.

Michael Lambino and Ventax Begenio led the scoring for the Pangasinan-based Golden Tigers of coach BJ Vidal.

Lambino had a double-double with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting, 14 rebounds, and three blocks in 33 minutes of action,. Begenio added 16 points and six rebounds.

Jhomel Sansano, who scored 46 points in a victory over Bestlink College of the Philippines last April 26, finished with eight points on 3-of-18 shooting in 29 minutes of play.

Peps Panganiban also scored eight points, while JC Seco and Datu Borja each chipped in with six points.

The scores:

First game

ICC (72) — Gadin 26, Ramirez 20, Flores 11, Vento 7, Joaquin 2, Alicum 2, Seniedo 2, Monares 2, Delos Santos 0
St.Dominic (52) — Proel 15, Clarete 10, Daquioag 9, Ares 7, Capulong 5, Vallena 5, Bunagan 1, Emerenciana 0, Espellogo 0, German 0.
Quarterscores: 17-12, 38-25, 54-40, 72-52

Second game

Olivarez (90) — Umali 18, Gallano 16, Maycong 15, Renon 9, Barbero 6, Jungco 5, Ollano 4, Aquiatan 4, Dulalia 4, Arches 4, Escalante 3, Haiber 2
Univ. of Luzon (69) — Lambino 17, Begenio 16, Sansano 8, Panganiban 8, Borja 6, Seco 6, Esberto 3, Diego 3, Gallardo 2, Vestre 0
Quarterscores: 29-19, 54-43, 81-58, 90-69.