Patriots advance to UCAA semis

MANILA, Philippines - Clifford Castro scored 27 points as La Salle-Dasmariñas demolished National College of Business and Arts, 105-85, yesterday to clinch a semifinal seat in the 12th Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) men’s basketball tournament at the Ugnayang La Salle gym in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Castro hit three triples in the first period as the Patriots took charge early and cruised to victory in the wild-card phase.

The Patriots finished the eliminations with a 3-3 record for a share of third with the NCBA Wildcats and the Manuel L. Quezon University Stallions.

Despite their 67-80 loss to the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars, the Patriots still gained a spot in the wild-card playoffs.

The Patriots will take on the Olivarez College Sea Lions, who swept their six-game assignment, on Monday.

The Jaguars, who ended their elims round assignment with a 2-4 card, drew 28 points from Kenneth Agustin as they walloped the MLQU Stallions, 104-86. The Jaguars forge a rubber match for the last semis seat with the Stallions today.

The Patriots surged ahead at 29-25 on a triple by Lloyd Pono and went on to post a 42-31 lead at the turn.