Sea Lions advance to UCAA finals

MANILA, Philippines - Olivarez College rode on the heroics of Mark Orias and Jester Dickens in the second quarter and swamped Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite, 90-63, yesterday in the 10th Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) men’s basketball tournament at the Olivarez College gymnasium in Sucat, Parañaque.

The Sea Lions’ semifinal win, their sixth straight overall, earned for them the first finals slot.

Orias and Dickens combined for 12 points in the second quarter to widen the Sea Lions’ 22-16 first quarter edge to 16 at halftime, 47-31. They weren’t threatened from there.

Jeric Bumatay led the Sea Lions with 14 points, while John Flores banged in 10 in this cagefest supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls.

Coach Michael Saguiguit’s wards will await the outcome of the second semis showdown between the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars and the Manuel L. Quezon University Stallions at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

The Stallions, who finished third during the eliminations, forced a rubber match following a 104-96 overtime victory over the PSBA Jaguars, who entered the game with a twice-to-beat edge.

Jopher Custodio unloaded 40 points for the Stallions, including 10 in the extra five minutes.

Vic Manuel, who led the Jaguars with 21 points, scored on an undergoal stab in the last five seconds to force the extension, 88-all.

The match was tight until the Stallions broke free from a 90-all deadlock midway in the extra period after the Jaguars ran into foul trouble.

Custodio sank six charities in the last 1:40, enabling the Stallions to move away for good, 98-90.