St. Francis, NCBA reach UCLAA semis

MANILA, Philippines – St. Francis of Assisi College and National College of Business and Arts crushed their respective rivals to barge into the semifinal round of the eighth Universities and Colleges of Luzon Athletic Association (UCLAA) men’s basketball tournament at the Marikina Sports Complex last Monday.

John Larotin and John Cristobal combined for 22 points as the SFAC Doves got past the Lyceum of Alabang Blue Sharks, 66-50, in the first knockout quarterfinal match for a semis clash with the second-ranked PATTS College of Aeronautics Sea Horses.

The NCBA Wildcats, on the other hand, drew 26 points from Eljohn Limpin and 16 markers from Damian Lasco as they overpowered the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies side, 84-64, in the other quarters pairing.

NCBA will next meet Colegio de San Lorenzo.

The No. 3 Doves fended off the Blue Sharks’ early challenge, leading by just four after the first 10 minutes. But SFAC coach Gabby Velasco called for a clampdown on defense, resulting in a 38-14 SFAC lead at the turn.

The Doves sustained their form at the resumption, blowing away the Sharks before cruising to their second straight win over their rivals, whom they thumped, 80-45, in the elims last week.

The Wildcats also struggled in the early going but overwhelmed the AIMS five midway in the second period on their way to posting a 20-point victory.