Olivarez College repeated its victory over University of Batangas, securing a 74-71 win and remaining in contention for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinal round of the Universities and Colleges Athletic League-PG Flex Linoleum Season 6 on Thursday, Feb. 22, at the Paco Arena in Manila.
After a slow start, the Olivarez Sea Lions, featuring Dan Arches, John Umali, and Hakim Albasse, dominated the Brahmans in the last two quarters to complete an impressive come-from-behind victory and elevate their record to 6-3.
However, the Sea Lions must win their remaining two games against the league-leading Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas (8-1) and defending champion Centro Escolar University (6-2) to secure a top-two finish.
The top two teams in Team A (1st to 4th placers) after the round will secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the knockout quarterfinal round.
Arches, once again showcasing his prowess, buried four triples en route to a game-high 20 points, accompanied by three assists and a rebound. Umali contributed 14 points, while Albasse and Mark Gallano added 13 points each.
The Brahmans fell to 5-5, ending their hopes for a bonus.
In the other game, Alpha Bah fell a rebound short of another double-double performance, carrying Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas from defeating Guang Ming College-Tagaytay City, 84-78.
The foreign student-athlete once again asserted his dominance inside, leading the Pirates with 23 points and 9 boards—nearly duplicating his 25-point and 12-board performance in the team’s thrilling 104-101 overtime win in the first phase of the eliminations on Feb. 8.
The victory improved the Pirates’ record to 4-5, securing a spot in the quarterfinals as they tied with the Manila Central University Supremos for 6th to 7th places.
Bah received ample support from Kurt Lee Laput, who contributed 14 points, with most coming in the first quarter when they established a 26-7 lead.
GMC, with a pair of 14 points from Joshua Jamias and Kurt Lactaotao, fell to 3-7, maintaining their 8th place position.
In the 9-team league, only one team will be left out in the quarterfinal round, and newcomer Philippine Women’s University appears to be the strongest candidate, having lost its first 9 games.
