Doves one win closer to UCLAA crown

MANILA, Philippines - St. Francis of Assisi College’s air-tight defense worked wonders as it blasted Philippine College of Criminology, 77-52, on Thursday to move within a win of topping the first Universities and College of Luzon Athletic Association (UCLAA) seniors basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

From a tight 35-32 halftime lead, the host Doves limited the Enforcers to only eight points in the third quarter, including a mere basket in the last 4:20, to erect double-digit spreads which the Sta.. Cruz, Manila-based PCCr never overhauled.

James Castañarez nailed a triple from the side in the 6:29 mark of the third period for the Doves’ first double-digit advantage, 46-36.

St. Francis goes for the clincher on Monday at the San Andres gym in Manila. If necessary, Game 3 will be played on Wednesday at the Pasay City Sports Complex.

In the juniors championship, PCCr routed St. Jude College, 86-70, to likewise near the inaugural season crown. Albert Francisco paced PCCr with 23 points and Rannel Marte added 16.

“Defense was the key and we will tighten it more next game,” said St. Francis coach Gabby Velasco. “We never relaxed even if we were leading by a big margin. We’ve learned from our past mistakes.”

Five straight points by Lex Leynes and a jumper from Erwilson Santos had St. Francis soaring to the game’s biggest lead, 75-50, only 50 seconds left in the match.

Four St. Francis starters scored in double figures, with Santos making 19 markers, Leynes 16, center Raymond Ilagan 14 and Jan Dulawan with 14.

Only Julius Manalo turned in a double-digit performance for PCCr with 11 points.

Mang Inasal, Air21, Besuto prawn crackers, Villa De Oro Boracay, Magarbo, Magnolia, Basketbolista Magazine and www.gameface.ph are supporting the inaugural UCLAA season.

The battle for third place will also be played on Monday, starting with the St. Francis-National College of Business and Arts juniors clash at 8 a.m. Las Piñas College and De Ocampo Memorial College collide in the seniors match at 9:30 p.m.