Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines – The Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite Vanguard banked on its free-throw shooting in the endgame to repulse the La Salle-Dasmariñas Patriots, 65-62, Thursday at the start of the 10th Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) men’s basketball tournament.
The Vanguard sank six of 10 charity attempts in the last two minutes as they kept the rallying Patriots at bay on their own home turf at the EAC-Cavite gymnasium.
Larry Reyes showed the way for the Vanguard with 21 points, including two freebies in the last 1:42, which allowed the home team to keep its distance, 60-53.
The Patriots were still able to threaten for the last time at 62-64 off a three-point play by Dave Genova and two charities from Mark Igtiben in the last 4.3 seconds.
But a split in the remaining 3.1 seconds from James Georsua saved the day for the Vanguard in this cagefest supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls.
“It was a team effort. We were able to come up strong on defense,” said Vanguard coach Marvin Felices.
Harold Vinluan and Genova led the Patriots with 21 and 19 points, respectively.
The Vanquard were able to take charge with a 45-36 lead at the end of the third quarter after Jestoni Bacla-an translated his steal into a driving shot, followed by baskets from Reyes and Villar in the last 52.7 seconds.
The Vanguard will go for their second straight triumph against the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars at 10 a.m. on Monday at the Olivarez College gymnasium in Sucat, Paranaque.