Olivarez College initiated its title bid with a 70-63 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines-Batangas on Monday, January 22, at the Universities and Colleges Athletic League-PG Flex Linoleum Season 6 at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Sea Lions started strongly, but had to fend off a late surge from the Pirates to secure a win in their debut in the 9-team league, also sponsored by Angel’s Pizza.
John Umali played a pivotal role for last year’s runners-up, contributing 17 points and four boards.
Meanwhile, Mark Joshua Gallano delivered a solid all-around performance with 10 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in 25 minutes of action.
However, the spotlight shone on University of Batangas, which stunned two-time champion Diliman College, 78-68, propelled by a 24-point explosion in the third quarter that saw them pull away for good.
With these victories, Olivarez and UB drew level with Centro Escolar University and Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas, both of whom bested their respective rivals in the opener last Saturday.
The CEU Scorpions relied on the heroics of Dylan Darbin to secure a pulsating 74-71 win over newcomer Manila Central University.
On the other hand, the PCU Dolphins provided another neophyte, Philippine Women’s University, with a rude welcome through an 88-66 victory.
Christian Tabeth led three other UB players in double figures with 15 points and 19 boards.
Olivarez’s strong defensive effort neutralized the 15-point and 19-rebound performance of Lyceum’s Alpha Bah.
