Sea Lions, Cougars stay at helm

MANILA, Philippines - Olivarez College and Colegio de Sta Monica posted victories in contrasting fashions yesterday to remain in the lead in the ninth Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) men’s basketball tournament in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Ben Bikonte and Archie Reyes came through with crucial baskets in the closing seconds as the Sea Lions repulsed the Technological Institute of the Philippines Engineers, 77-73, at the Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite gym.

It was Olivarez’s sixth win in seven games as the Sea Lions shared the lead with the Cougars in the cagefest supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls.

The Cougars drew a combined 31-point output from John Orbeta and Mark Montilla as they routed the EAC-Cavite Vanguards, 76-47.

Meanwhile, the Philippine School of Business Administration, with Bryan Raymundo scoring 20 points, stayed in the semis race as it turned back De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, 72-71, to tie its victim at 2-4.

Bikonte scored on a drive with 11.9 seconds left, giving the Sea Lions a 75-71 cushion. After American Anthony Hargrove kept TIP within with a basket, Archie Reyes drew a foul from Hargrove and made two charities.