National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) teams sizzled early as San Beda University and Jose Rizal University (JRU) booked their spots in the semifinals of the NSAC World Invitational on Friday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Reigning NCAA champions San Beda repulsed Taiwanese side Formosa Tiger Kings, 78-65, to stay in the hunt for the championship presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.

RC Calimag caught fire for the Red Lions, knocking down three of five attempts from beyond the arc to finish with 16 points, while Aldous Torculas added 15 points and five rebounds.

San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta admitted it took time for his squad to find its groove as unfamiliarity played a part in the match.

The Red Lions initially trailed by 10 points before finding their footing in the second quarter and eventually dominating Formosa in the second half by as many as 19 points.

“It’s different when you don’t regularly face them in the leagues here in our country. So it took us time to adjust and recognize who their shooters and best players were, and of course, their tendencies,” said Escueta, whose wards are coming off a 10-day camp in Spain under former Japan B.League mentor Luis Guil.

Justin Hawkins led the Tiger Kings with 16 points and four rebounds, but Formosa struggled offensively in the second and third quarters.

Earlier in the day, JRU also secured a semifinal slot after a hard-fought 71-66 victory over Elite Stacks AUS.

The Heavy Bombers unleashed an 11-0 closing run led by Lawrence Mangubat, who finished with 22 points, to seal the victory over the taller and more fancied Australians.

JRU assistant coach Joaquin Garcia praised his players for showing the character they developed during their offseason preparations.

“We knew that there was really a mismatch in terms of talent. There was a height mismatch, everything was a mismatch. I guess we won because of the heart that our players showed, especially on defense,” Garcia said.

As of press time, University of Santo Tomas was battling Tenri University while Far Eastern University was facing Fighting Eagles Nagoya.