MANILA, Philippines — Olivarez College repeated over University of Batangas, 74-71, and stayed in the hunt for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinal round of the Universities and Colleges Athletic League-PG Flex Linoleum Season 6 yesterday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
After a slow start, the Olivarez Sea Lions, starring Dan Earel Arches, John Umali and Hakim Albasse, dominated the Brahmans in the last two quarters en route to hiking their record to 6-3.
The Sea Lions, however, must sweep their last two games against league-leading Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas (8-1) and defending champion Centro Escolar University (6-2) to finish in the top two.
The top two finishers in Team A after the round will secure a twice-to-beat armor in the knockout quarterfinal round.
Arches buried four triples on the way to a game-high 20 points on top of three assists and a rebound, Umali added 14 while Albasse and Mark Gallano added 13 points apiece.
The Brahmans fell to 5-5 – their bid for a bonus also falling apart.
In the other game, Alpha Bah was a rebound shy from completing another double-double performance as Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas repeated over Guang Ming College-Tagaytay City, 84-78.