OLIVAREZ College leaned on a huge third quarterto bring down host Diliman College, 84-73, in the UCAL-PGFlex Linoleum 7th Season on Thursday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Cristian Allen Vergara tallied 9 of his 16 points in the third frame, including a triple that gave them a 63-52 advantage from a slim 45-40 halftime lead which the Sea Lions protected the rest of the way.
Hanz Philip Maycong, who also had a hand in that telling Olivarez breakaway, led all scorers with 20 points apart from posting 7 boards and 1 assist as they handed the Blue Dragons their second defeat in four games in the 10-school tournament.
PCU Bluehawks nip ICC
In the second game, Philippine Christian University outlasted Immaculada Concepcion College, 79-76, thanks to the heroics of Jay-R Pronda.
Showing steely resolve, Pronda hit two pressure-packed charities in the last 11 seconds to foil ICC’s fiery comeback from seven points down, 76-69, as Alfred Joseph Flores strung up 7 points, including a 3-pointer that pulled the Bluehawks to within 77-76 with 19 ticks remaining.
With their wins, Olivarez and PCU-D forged a three-way tie for second with Manila Central University on 3-1 cards.
Rodel Renon and Hakim Njiasse also shone offensively, combining for 27 points as the Sealions even hiked their lead to as many as 15 points – thanks to the team’s 12 steals.
What hastened Diliman’s downfall was its 18 turnovers which Olivarez converted into 20 points. In sharp contrast, the Sealions turned the ball only 8 times apart from having more points in the paint, 48-36.
Matthew Calilong paced the Blue Dragons with 15 points and 6 assists.
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