Engineers, Cougars fuel semifinal bids

DASMARINAS, Cavite , Philippines  - The Technological Institute of the Philippines Engineers and the Colegio Sta. Monica Cougars fended off separate foes yesterday to stay in contention for the top two semifinal seats of the 17th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament.

The Engineers were limited to six points in the last period, but drew strength from the heroics of Troy Rosario and Andrew Arcadio in the final minute to pull off a 75-72 triumph over the Olivarez College Sea Lions at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gymnasium here.

Meanwhile, the Cougars leaned on the three-point shots of Clyne Rosal and Juvel Gican midway in the fourth period to outplay the Philippine Merchant Marine School Mariners, 76-65, in this cagefest supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls.

The victories put the Engineers in the solo lead with their sixth win in seven games, while the Cougars improved to third at 4-2. On the other hand, the Sea Lions fell to second at 5-2.

Earlier, Jericho Cruz fired 15 points for the Rizal Technological University Blue Thunder, who prevailed over La Salle-Dasmariñas, 91-71, even as Vic Manuel made 18 points as the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars beat the PATTS College of Aeronautics, 86-67.