Bobcats turn back Jaguars, boost bid

MANILA, Philippines - Central Colleges of the Philippines pulled off a tough 74-69 victory over Philippine School of Business Administration yesterday to wheel back into contention in the 11th Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) men’s basketball tournament at the Ugnayang La Salle gymnasium in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Sunny Valdez slashed through the Jaguars’ defense in the last 3.8 seconds, securing the Bobcats’ fifth win in eight games in the tournament backed by Mikasa and Molten Balls.

The win put the Bobcats back on track for a semifinal berth after they dropped a 62-67 setback to the La Salle-Dasmariñas Patriots last Friday.

Ryan Magbanua topscored for the Bobcats with 21 points, while Danny Asencio and Gio Lopez tossed in 17 and 16 points, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Olivarez College Sea Lions won by default over the Manuel L. Quezon University Stallions to firm up their hold of the top spot. They are two wins away from a 10-game sweep of the two-round eliminations.

The Patriots, who tote a 6-1 card, drew 31 points from Jeoffrey Acain.