MANILA, Philippines - Olivarez College rode on a big fourth quarter surge to frustrate Philippine School of Business Administration, 83-74, at the Central Colleges of the Philippines gym in Sta. Mesa, Manila last Wednesday and force a sudden death for the 10th Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) men’s basketball crown.
John Flores took charge for the Sea Lions in the last three minutes as they seized control then held off the Jaguars to level their best-of-three title series in the tournament backed by Mikasa and Molten Balls.
Flores scored four points down the stretch as the Sea Lions came through with a 10-5 run to post a 71-65 advantage en route to victory.
The Jaguars, seeking their first title in seven years, took the opener, 94-87, last Monday.
Olivarez and PSBA dispute the title at 10 a.m. today at the Pasay Sports Complex.
Earlier, Jopher Custodio banged in 31 points for the Manuel L. Quezon University Stallions, who clinched third-place honors with a 68-65 win over the Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite Vanguards.
Custodio’s five charities in the last 30 seconds sealed the victory for the Stallions.
Mark de la Cruz led the Sea Lions with 21 points while PSBA drew 32 points from Vic Manuel.