Sea Lions earn UCAA semis top seed

MANILA, Philippines - The Olivarez College Sea Lions moved to within a win shy of sweeping the elimination round of the 12th Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) men’s basketball tournament.

Clarence Singh shot a game-high 14 points for the Sea Lions, who subdued the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars, 85-63, last Saturday at their own homecourt – the Olivarez College gymnasium in Sucat, Parañaque.

Their pressure defense in the second period allowed the Sea Lions to move away by 11 points at halftime, 36-25, behind a pair of charities from Kurt Labog.

It was Olivarez College’s fifth straight victory, coming five days after it won over the Trinity of Asia Stallions, who walked out of that game last Monday at the Ugnayang La Salle gymnasium in DSLU-Dasmariñas.

The Sea Lions virtually clinched the top semis berth, but they will still aim for a sweep, nonetheless, against the National College of Business and Arts today at the RTU gymnasium.

The RTU Blue Thunder, coached by Johnedel Cardel, won over the Manuel L. Quezon University Stallions, 88-60, to earn a semis slot with their 4-2 card.

Jopet Quiro showed the way with 20 points for the Blue Thunder, who broke away in the third period.

Sandy Cenal, who made 14 points, struck with nine in the third period as RTU widened a 39-33 halftime lead.

The La Salle-Dasmariñas Patriots drew 18 points from Kiboy Torres in routing the Philippine Nautical Training College Barrcudas, 91-72.

Their 3-2 slate has kept the Patriots in contention for a seat in the semis.