Patriots seal UCAA semis cast

MANILA, Philippines - The La Salle-Dasmarinas Patriots weathered a late rally to put away the Technological Institute of the Philippines Engineers, 72-67, yesterday in the ninth Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) men’s basketball tournament at their own home-court - the Ugnayang La Salle gymnasium in Dasmarinas, Cavite.

The Patriots leaned on four free throws from Raffy Orde in the closing seconds to beat the Engineers and finish the elimination round with four wins and six losses at fourth place.

They advanced to the semifinal round of the cagefest backed by Mikasa and Molten Balls with early qualifiers Olivarez College Sea Lions, the Colegio Sta. Monica Cougars and the Engineers.

Sam Plameras and Marlito Escobal had 20 points apiece for the Patriots, while Orde banged in 19, including five crucial charities in the last 32.8 seconds.