Dragons tame Cougars

MANILA, Philippines - The Universal College Golden Dragons rode on a big fourth quarter run to repulse the Colegio Sta. Monica Cougars, 60-51, in the 17th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament at the Olivarez College Sports Complex in Sucat, Parañaque, recently.

The Dragons clamped down on the Cougars’ shooters with their pressure defense, holding their rivals to just two points in the last 10 minutes while scoring a barrage of baskets en route to their fifth victory in seven games.

The win kept the Golden Dragons in contention for the last semis slot, which they are now contesting with the Philippine Merchant Marine School Mariners in the cagefest backed by Mikasa and Molten Balls.

Earlier, the Olivarez College Sea Lions (7-2) drew 22 points from Archie Reyes as they beat the PATTS College of Aeronautics, 84-73, to firm up their hold of the third spot.

JV Ferreria led the Golden Dragons with 13 points, while Lester Reyes chipped in 12, including eight in the last quarter.

The Cougars, who drew 12 points from John Orbeta, took a 49-39 lead at the end of the third quarter. But they sputtered in the fourth in the face of the Dragons’ stifling defense.

Ferreria’s jumper and two charities got the Golden Dragons’ rally going as they forced a tie at 49 with 6:55 left before Reyes and Mac Montilla came through with triples to power the Dragons to a 57-49 lead, 2:58 remaining in the contest.