The University of Batangas outlasted The Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP), 81-72, and took the early lead, while Diliman College launched its title-retention bid in grand fashion in the PG Flex Linoleum-Universities and Colleges Basketball League yesterday at the Olivarez College gym in Parañaque City.
After awful shooting in the second quarter saw them fall behind 38-35, the Brahmans outscored the Engineers in the next frame, 25-16, to regain the upper hand on the way to their second straight win.
UB’s win was a fitting follow up to its 92-80 win over Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas in the opener last Thursday.
Cameroon 6-foot-5 Kenne Raoul Yemeli starred for the Brahmans this time, scoring 23 points on top of 13 boards and two steals while Vincent de Ramos, JJ Caspe, and Emmanuel Catacutan also tallied in double figures.
The Diliman Blue Dragons leaned of a torrid shooting early to demolish the PCU-Dasmariñas Dolphins, 97-69, with Johnnel Rey Bauzon exploding for 29 points. Four other Diliman players scored 9 points or more.
It was a big day for Batangas as Lyceum-Batangas opened its title bid on a high note, crushing National College of Business and Arts, 88-62, in the first game.
The Pirates were ruthless from the start, posting a 24-4 advantage in the first 10 minutes of play on the way to spoiling NCBA’s debut in the 8-team tournament.
The Pirates were never threatened after that they even padded their lead to 53-27 at halftime las Lapasaran continued to pile up points behind his repertoire of shots while the Congolese dominated the shaded lane.
Lapasaran finished with 24 points, nine assists, and five boards while Mulunda chipped in 12 points, 15 boards, and three blocks.
The Wildcats made a run in the third but the Pirates countered swiftly to take a 24-point lead (68-44) going into the final period.
The Pirates dominated both ends and produced 30 fast break points.
John Mar Aculana scored 14 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Joshua Elbo had 11 points in a losing effort for NCBA, which only had 11 assists.
