MANILA, Philippines - The Olivarez College Sea Lions and the Colegio de Sta. Monica Cougars whipped separate foes recently in the ninth Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) men’s basketball tournament.
Philip de la Cruz was at his best again as the solo-leading Sea Lions turned back the Technological Institute of the Philippines Engineers, 91-86, on their own home turf at the Olivarez College gymnasium on Sucat, Parañaque.
The Cougars, led by Mark Montilla, subdued the Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite Presidents, 80-75, and remained behind the Sea Lions in this cagefest supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls. Montilla carried the Cougars to their second triumph in three games with a 24-point tally.
De la Cruz unloaded 25 points for the Sea Lions, who went on to post their third consecutive triumph. It was his second-best output after making 26 points last Wednesday when they put away the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars, 80-74.
The Olivarez College hotshot struck hard in the third period, banging in 17 points, built around five triples which enabled the Sea Lions to maintain a 13-point advantage.
His teammate Archie Reyes had 21 points before the Sea Lions’ ace point guard fouled out in the last 1:30.
“Kahit nasa foul trouble si Archie, na-maintain namin ang lead dahil nagstep-up iyung dalawang backup niya,” said Sea Lions coach Michael Saguiguit.
Reyes shot eight points in the first period, allowing the Sea Lions to dictate the tempo after posting a 28-18 edge.
American reinforcements Anthony Hargrove and William Porter had 17 and 14 points apiece for the Engineers, who charged back from a 13-point deficit at the end of the third.