Sea Lions, Dragons clash in UCBL finals

MANILA,Philippines — Olivarez College arranged a title rematch with Diliman College after outlasting University of Batangas, 83-79, in the rubber match of their semis series in the PG Flex Linoleum-Universities and Colleges Basketball League at the Olivarez College gym in Parañaque City.

The Sea Lions, who lost to the Diliman Blue Dragons last season, teetered on the brink of collapse when the Brahmans took a 79-77 lead when Sam Heidelburg made two gift shots with 86 ticks left.

But timely baskets from Ace Lavariaz and Kim Siege and three vital free throws from 6-foot-7 Elie Yani saved the day for the Sea Lions who will be playing in the finals for the third time.

The Sea Lions enjoyed a twice-to-beat advantage in the series but lost to the fourth-ranked Brahmans, 89-80, last Monday.

Diliman, which finished No. 1 in the two-phase elims, clinched the first finals berth by downing Centro Escolar University in their own semis series last week.