MANILA, Philippines - Olivarez College foiled Colegio de Sta. Monica, 78-71, to force a sudden death for the other finals berth in the 18th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament at the Pasay City Sports Complex recently.
Philip dela Cruz scored 16 points while the rest of the Sea Lions held two of the Cougars’ scoring aces scoreless in the final quarter to pound out the victory in Game 2 of their best-of-three semis series.
This moved the Sea Lions a win shy of making it back to the finals against the waiting Rizal Technological University which clinched the first finals slot by sweeping Philippine Merchant Marine School via identical 87-86 victories in their own semis clash in the tournament backed by Mikasa and Molten Balls.
The Cougars, who took the opener, 82-78, and Sea Lions dispute the second championship seat at 11:30 a.m. today at the RTU gym in Mandaluyong.
De la Cruz banged in 10 points in the last period while the Sea Lions clamped down on the Cougars’ main men Jayvee Ferreria and Mac Montilla.
Archie Reyes backed up De la Cruz with 14 points, while Marlon Lascunas added 10 points for the Sea Lions.
Ferreria banged in 22 points for the Cougars, while Montilla struggled for only eight points.