Patriots force UCAA title duel vs Sea Lions

MANILA, Philippines -  La Salle-Dasmariñas outplayed Manuel L. Quezon University in the fourth and posted a 79-68 victory to arrange a title showdown with Olivarez College for the Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) men’s basketball tournament in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Lloyd Pono banged in 20 points, including a triple that highlighted the Patriots’ breakaway run in a six-minute stretch in the fourth, as the hosts took the crucial win in their stepladder semis showdown with the Stallions at the Ugnayang La Salle gym in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Pono’s trey came after teammate Jeff Manuel’s split shattered a 60-all count, giving La Salle a four-point cushion before Jeoffrey Acain and Clifford Castro joined the fray and rifled a pair of triples to cap a 10-3 run for a 74-63 lead with 1:45 remaining in the contest.

Acain finished with 16 points, while Manuel and K-Boy Torres added 12 and 10 markers, respectively.

Roland Dulalia and Leonard Tamayo scored 15 and 14 points, respectively, for the Stallions, who settled for third in the event backed by Mikasa and Molten Balls.

It was the Patriots’ first finals stint since 2005. They will dispute the crown against the Olivarez Sea Lions starting at 1 p.m. tomorrow at the Olivarez College gym in Sucat.

The Stallions took the half at 36-32 then went on an 11-5 run at resumption to post a double-digit lead.

But the Patriots fought back and forced a tie at 58 early in the fourth behind Acain’s trey.