MANILA, Philippines - Olivarez College crushed Philippine School of Business Administration, 95-65, to clinch the first finals berth in the 13th Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) men’s basketball tournament at the Olivarez College gym in Sucat, Parañaque yesterday.
But Rizal Technical University routed the second seeded Trinity University of Asia, 83-66, to force a sudden death for the other championship berth.
Rookie Pruvil Bermudes shot a game-high 17 points for the Olivarez Sea Lions, while Rennel Montecillo starred for the RTU Blue Thunder by firing 15 points.
RTU-Trinity dispute the other finals seat today.
With the Sea Lions slightly ahead, 60-59, at the end of the third period, Bermudes scored six points to spark a 16-4 run anchored on the Sea Lions’ trapping defense.