Olivarez still alive in UCBL semis

MANILA, Philippines — Olivarez College showed unwavering resolve and stunned twice-to-beat Diliman College, 70-65, to extend their semis series to a sudden death in the 5th PG Flex Linoleum-Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) yesterday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

After a tight contest in the first three periods, the Sea Lions stepped on the gas pedal in the fourth quarter and unleashed a 12-3 salvo that proved to be the dagger in the fighting hearts of the Blue Dragons.

Diliman came into the game armed with a twice-to-beat advantage for finishing second behind Centro Escolar University.

The winner in the sudden-death on Thursday will face CEU in a best-of-three title series.

Edmund dela Cruz threw his weight around inside the paint to lead Olivarez with 24 points and 20 rebounds while John Laurence Uduba had 17 points including timely hits down the stretch.

Tied at 50-all, Dela Cruz and Uduba scored back-to-back floaters to answer the triple from John Pedrosa in the early goings of the payoff period, triggering the telling run.