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 to complete their impressive come-from-behind and hike 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) for them to finish in the top two.
The top two finishers in Team A (1st to 4th placers) after the round will secure twice-to-beat armor in the knockout quarterfinal round.
Arches was again at his element, burying 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 fell apart.
In the other game, Alpha Bah was a rebound shy from completing another double-double performance but this did not prevent Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas from repeating over Guang Ming College-Tagaytay City, 84-78.
The foreign student-athlete once again imposed his will inside to lead the Pirates with 23 points and 9 boards — nearly duplicating his 25-point and 12-board showing in the team’s thrilling 104-101 overtime win in the first phase of the eliminations last 8 February.
The win improved the Pirates’ record to 4-5, assuring themselves of a slot in the quarterfinals as they tied the Manila Central University Supremos for 6th to 7th places.
Bah got ample support from Kurt Lee Laput who chipped in 14 points — most coming in the first quarter where they took a 261-7 lead.
MCY, which got a pair of 14 points from Joshua Jamias and Kurt Lactaotao, fell to 3-7 to remain at 8th place.
Only one team will be left out in the quarterfinal round in the nine-team league and newcomer Philippine Women’s University appears to be the strongest candidate having dropped its first nine games.
