Sea Lions advance

MANILA, Philippines — John Umali drained big shots at endgame as Olivarez College survived Philippine Christian U, 78-71, in their do-or-die stepladder semifinal match in the 5th PG Flex Linoleum-Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) Thursday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Umali spearheaded their back-breaking 10-0 run inside the final five minutes as the Sea Lions shook off the hard-fighting Dolphins to set up a huge collision with second seed and twice-to-beat Diliman College Blue Dragons in the second part of the stepladder semis.

The Sea Lions forward finished with 17 points, built on four triples.