TIP nips Olivarez, gains UCBL twice-to-beat

MANILA, Philippines - Technological Institute of the Philippines used one big scoring run in the second quarter to seize control then thwarted Olivarez College down the stretch to carve out a 79-74 decision and gain the other semifinal incentive in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League at the Olivarez Sports Center.

First semifinalist Centro Escolar U came away with an expected 83-74 victory over Bulacan State U in the other game to move within a win from completing a sweep of the double round elims.

Orlan Wamar fired 11 points and had two assists and two rebounds to help power the Scorpions to their 11th straight victory. CEU also drew 10 points and 11 rebounds from Ebuka Umeanozie.

Roldan Pinas and Harley Diego combined for 27 points while Ikee Akpuru dished out a double-double effort of 11 points and 11 rebounds on top of four assists and four shot blocks for the Engineers, who clinched the No. 2 seeding and the twice-to-beat edge in the semis with an 8-3 mark.

Paul Rosopa dished out six of TIP’s 22 assists.