The Olivarez College Sea Lions rode on a fiery first quarter assault and coasted to a 94-78 win over the Philippine Christian University Dolphins to clinch a semis playoff, Monday afternoon in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League Season 3 at the Olivarez College in Parañaque City.
Through the efforts of Maverick Saguiguit and Lawrence Castro, the Olivarez Sea Lions raced to a 26-14 first quarter lead, which proved too huge for the Dolphins overcome.
Olivarez’ win was their seventh victory in nine games, thus maintaining their hold of third place in the seven-team tournament in the crucial stage of the double-round elims.
The Dolphins made their move in the third frame, but the Sea Lions were not yet done, coming through with another big run to kick off the final quarter that practically scuttled their rivals’ rally.
Saguiguit led four Olivarez players with 20 points spiked by two triples, while Castro and Mike Santos added 14 points apiece.
Olivarez coach Myk Saguiguit pointed to the team’s impressive shooting for the win, as they made 38-of-72 from the field for 52 percent against only 37 percent (25-of-66) for the Dolphins.
In the second game, the Centro Escolar University Scorpions withstood the spirited challenge of the Technological Institute of the Philippines Engineers, 80-76, to advance to the semifinals.
In a wild and exciting finish, the Scorpions proved steadier down the stretch as Pierce Chan made a clutch basket in the last eight ticks to seal the deal.
CEU’s win was their 8th straight since dropping an 86-83 decision to Olivarez College in the opener, enough to secure the second semis berth and tie early semifinalists Diliman College for the lead.
Rich Guinitaran sizzled for 23 points, while Orlan Wamar and Chan combined for 22 points as the Scorpions also boosted their bid for the twice-to-beat advantage in the semis.
