MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Technological Institute of the Philippines trounced Trinity of University of Asia, 55-48, to notch its third straight victory for the solo lead in the National Collegiate Basketball League over the weekend.
The TIP Engineers wrested control early then thwarted the TUA Stallions’ rally to pound out the win. The Stallions fell by 10, 9-19, in the early but came to within four, 46-50, with still two minutes left in the contest.
But Kimley Medina and John Paul Magtibang took over as TIP closed out with a 5-2 run to frustrate the Stallions.
Joshua Alcober led TIP with 12 points while Magbitang and Medina added 11 and eight markers, respectively.
Mark Doligon paced the Stallions with 14 points.
Meanwhile, the Blue Dragons of newcomer Diliman College, formerly Diliman Computer Technology Institute, bounced back from an opening game loss as it upended NAASCU champion Centro Escolar U, 58-54, and Enderun Colleges, 49-47, to improve to 2-1.
Dropping to third at 2-2 are TUA, Enderun and CEU while the Stallions fell to 0-2 after dropping a 55-60 setback to the CEU Scorpions.
The Scorpions dealt the newcomer AIE College side from Angeles City its fourth straight loss, 78-38.
Enderun also dominated AIE-College, 87-51, in the tournament backed by Hoop It Up, Zic Oil Lubricants, the Athletes-In-Action and media partner Manila Standard-Today.