Doves soar past Jaguars; Generals up

Games tomorrow (Tanduay gym)

10:30 a.m. — EAC vs PSBA

12 noon — NCBA vs Olivares College

The St. Francis of Assisi Doves showed what they could do without their two big men as they edged the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars, 75-72, in the Universities and College Athletic Association (UCAA) men’s basketball tournament at the Tanduay gym.

It was the Doves’ second straight win, which kept them in step with the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, a 67-65 winner over La Salle-Dasmariñas.

Nizar Kiram led with 15 points for the Doves. But it was Al Vergara, who powered the Doves to victory with his two charities in the last 28.4 seconds.

The Doves, who missed national players Ranidel de Ocampo and Ervin Sotto, who were benched for disciplinary reasons, struggled after Kiram’s two triples put them ahead by 19 points, 67-48.

The Jaguars, who dropped to a 1-1 record, threatened to within a basket at 70-72, through the efforts of Al Federiso and MC Caceres

Christopher Concepcion, a newcomer from Southern City College in Zamboanga, backed up Kiram with 14 markers while Vergara made 10.

PSBA without our top two players. They prepared hard for this game," said Jaguars coach Gabby Velasco.

The Doves were shooting for their third straight triumph against Olivarez College as of press time.

Nino Songco showed the way for the Generals with 21 points.

The Doves upended the La Salle-Dasmarinas, 69-61 while the Generals beat Olivares, 75-61 on opening day.