Stallions ward off Jaguars in UCAA opener

MANILA, Philippines - The Trinity University of Asia Stallions turned the tables on the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars, 69-61, yesterday at the start of the 13th Universities and Colleges Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the Blue Eagle gym in Quezon City.

Mark Doligon and Joshua Saret showed the way for the Stallions, with the former scoring 13 points and the latter hitting 12 for Trinity College, which picked up the pace in the second quarter.

The Jaguars took charge in the first period, 20-15, behind Aries Dionisio, who made nine in the opening minutes of the game.

But as the Stallions’ transition game finally kicked in the second canto, Doligon combined with Angelo Pineda for 12 points, with the latter scoring one of two treys in the last 32.8 seconds, helping Trinity move away, 33-20, before the first half ended.

“The boys did well in the first. Although we had to make adjustments on offense and defense,”I got good results,” said Stallions’ coach Junel Mendiola.

Doligon shot seven in the third period as the Stallions led by nine, 55-46.

Dr. Jesus Rodrigo Torres, s president of defending champion RTU, led the opening rites and was assisted by UCAA president Tisha Abundo and other board members.

The Stallions will seek their second straight win when they take on the Olivarez College Sea Lions on Monday at the latter’s homecourt – the Olivarez College gymnasium on Sucat, Parañaque.

The Jaguars were led by Justine Puno with 20 markers. Niño Abayan added eight, while Shaun Icaro and Michael Quiambao dished out five for the Jaguars.