Olivarez College and Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas secured twice-to-beat advantages in the semifinals after finishing first and second, respectively, at the conclusion of the two-phase eliminations in the UCAL-PGFlex Linoleum 7th Season, Saturday at Paco Arena in Manila.
The OC Sealions leaned on the hot shooting of Monsour Proel in the clutch to edge the resilient WCC Aeronautical and Technological College Skyhawks, 85-80, and claim the top seed with a 10-3 record.
While the Sealions needed a strong finish to fend off the Skyhawks, the PCU-D Dolphins had a relatively easier time, cruising past the winless Philippine Women’s University, 79-49, to secure second place with a 9-4 slate.
Proel led Olivarez College with 23 points, highlighted by five three-pointers, including a crucial triple that broke a 76-all deadlock with just over two minutes remaining. He also contributed four assists and four rebounds.
Three other Sealions scored in double figures, with Rodel Renon adding 16 points, while Jhon Patrick Panelo and Hakim Njiasse combined for 25 points.
As the No. 1 seed, the Sealions will face the fourth-seeded Diliman College Blue Dragons in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, the second-seeded Dolphins will take on the third-ranked Immaculada Concepcion College Bluehawks on Thursday.
Immaculada Concepcion College and Diliman College finished tied for third place along with defending champion Centro Escolar University, Manila Central University, and the University of Batangas—each with identical 8-5 records.
However, ICC and Diliman secured the third and fourth spots due to superior quotient rankings.
