Centro Escolar University and defending champion Olivarez College maintained their top two spots in the PG Flex-UCAL Season 8 Basketball Tournament after securing wins against their respective rivals on Thursday at the Paco Arena.
Relying on another balanced offensive effort, the CEU Scorpions extended their winning streak to four games with a 72-57 triumph over the Philippine Women’s University Patriots.
Precious Momowei recorded his fourth consecutive double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Christ Jay Singson led all Scorpions scorers with 13 points.
Jacob Oriza and Jacob Emmanuel Danganan tried to keep PWU in the game, but their efforts came too late to prevent the team from suffering its fourth straight loss.
Meanwhile, the Olivarez Sea Lions remained undefeated in three games, taming the University of Batangas Brahmans, 81-67.
Essissima Menguele led the way with 14 points and seven rebounds, while Rodel Renon added 11 points.
In other action, Philippine Christian University-Dasmarinas notched its third win in four games, edging Immaculada Concepcion College, 90-85.
Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas also came away with a narrow 80-75 victory over Manila Central University.
PCU-D looked headed for a runaway win thanks to the sharp shooting of Alvin Reyes, Angus Geronimo, and Jayr Pronda, posting an 81-60 lead entering the final 10 minutes.
The Blue Hawks mounted a furious rally behind Aaron Wico, Joshua Bulante, and Jon Arimado, but the Dolphins held on, making key defensive stops in the critical closing minutes.
Reyes once again starred for the day in this tournament which is also supported by Akari, Advance Solutions Inc., Smart Sports, Spalding, Quintana Sports, Crane Faucet, Hapee Toothpaste, CafeFrance, Vital, TopFlite Academy, Maruyama, Gerry’s Grill, Mighty Bond, and Undfitd Sportswear, finishing with 26 points, including three triples.
For LPU-B, Kyle Mitra led four players in double figures with 15 points, while Terry Mark contributed 12 points and 13 rebounds.
