NBL: La Union stays unbeaten

La Union clinched an outright quarterfinal berth last Saturday after beating Marikina, 105-80, in the National Basketball League (NBL) Season 3 Black Arrow Express-President’s Cup at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.

Mitchelle Maynes had 13 points as the Paower kept their unbeaten slate after picking up their fifth win in as many outings. La Union can sweep Group B this Saturday when it faces Laguna in Baguio City in the final day of the eliminations.

Having secured the top two places in Group B, the Paower have also gained a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

Jed Mendoza topscored for Muntinlupa with 15 points as the Emeralds beat the Lifenet Corp.-Caloocan Executives, 95-78, to finish the elimination round with an even 3-3 slate.

Parañaque, meanwhile, wrapped up its elimination round campaign with a 110-93 win over Laguna last Sunday at the San Dionisio gym.

JR Galit had 18 points to lead the home team Aces to a 4-2 record and third place in Group B, clinching a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoff phase of the conference. The Laguna Pistons slipped to 2-3, in a tie with the Nueva Ecija Bespren for fourth place.

Miguel Cabrera exploded with 30 points as the Quezon City Defenders defeated the Pasig El Pirata, 90-88, to enter the playoff round with a 3-3 card.