Olivarez College proved to be steadier in crunch time, edging past Philippine Christian University-Dasmarinas, 82-80, in the UCAL-PGFLEX Linoleum 7th Season on Monday, Feb. 10, at Paco Arena in Manila.
Struggling throughout the game, Christian Allen Vergara stepped up when it mattered most, sinking a clutch floater with 19 seconds left before coming up with a crucial steal to secure the Sea Lions’ fourth straight victory.
The win moved Olivarez into a three-way tie for the lead with the University of Batangas and Manila Central University at 4-1.
Vergara’s heroics preserved strong performances from Rodel Renon, who led the team with 17 points, and Hakim Njiasse, who stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and four steals.
In the other matchup, reigning champion Centro Escolar University cruised to its second straight win with a dominant 77-54 victory over Philippine Women’s University, powered by another stellar outing from Israel Friday.
Friday was a force in the paint, finishing with a double-double of 25 points and 13 rebounds in just under 22 minutes of action.
Monsour Proel contributed 15 points, while John Escalante chipped in 10.
Meanwhile, Vergara finished with just eight points, but his timely scoring in the final quarter proved crucial.
He put Olivarez ahead, 80-79, before Mark Canlas sealed the game with two clutch free throws.
Kingsley Anaba led the Dolphins with 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Jayr Pronda added 18.
With the loss, PCU-D fell to 3-2, tying Diliman College for fourth place.
