MANILA, Philippines - The Universal College Dragons stamped their class over the Colegio Sta. Monica Cougars and posted a 69-56 victory to gain the headstart in their best-of-three series for the Universities and College Athletic Association men’s basketball crown at the TIP gym in Quiapo, Manila.
The Dragons leaned on their pressing defense to clip the Cougars and move a win away from clinching the crown in the event backed by Mikasa and Molten Balls.
Lester Reyes and Cedric Matugas scored 18 and 17 points, respectively, to lead the Dragons.
Matugas knocked in a trey with 1:46 to go in the second quarter as the Dragons raced to a 32-21 lead. He had another triple in the last 3:44 of the third as UC posted its biggest lead at 49-31.
The Dragon’ defense, meanwhile, held Sta. Monica’s John Bachicha scoreless in the third period. The Cougars’ ace gunner finished with just five points. Mark Guillen led Sta. Monica with 14 points.