Wildcats inch closer to semis

National College of Business and Arts routed La Salle-Manila yesterday, 85-44, to remain in the hunt for a semifinal berth, even as host Emilio Aguinaldo College closed in on a possible 14-game sweep of the eliminations in the third Universities and Colleges Athletics Association (UCAA) basketball tournament at the EAC gym.

The Wildcats smothered the Archers, notching their seventh win in 12 games to tie Colegio de San Lorenzo at fourth place in the eight-team double round tournament backed by Accel, Shakey’s Pizza, New Balance shoes, Arena swimwear, Villa de Oro Boracay, Molten and Mikasa.

La Salle remained winless in 12 outings.

George dela Cruz topscored for the Wildcats with 23 points.

In the first game, the EAC Generals marched to their 12th straight win with an 86-74 repeat over the Olivarez Sea Lions.

Playing their usual fiery form, the Generals were led anew by Philippine Basketball League (PBL) rookie Ronjay Buenafe, who finished with 24 points.