Engineers bounce back, share lead

MANILA, Philippines - Greg Aguilar fired 16 points for the Technological Institute of the Philippines Engineers, who clobbered the Universal College Dragons, 78-66, the other dasy in the 17th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament.

Aguilar’s efforts enabled the Engineers to bounce back from a stinging 77-80 setback they suffered at the hands of the Rizal Technological University Blue Thunder as they scored their fifth win in six matches at the Olivarez College gym in Sucat, Parañaque.

The Engineers found themselves sharing the lead with the Olivarez College Sea Lions, who quashed a late rally by the Philippine Merchant Marine School Mariners with a 67-65 triumph in this cagefest supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls.

“The veterans really came to play. And right from the start, we wanted to set the stage for the win by showing UC that we will not wait for them to initiate the action,” said Engineers coach Emil Arroyo.

The Engineers banked on their full-court pressure defense to stay ahead of the Dragons all throughout and eventually move out of range in the fourth period.