Griffins enters UCLAA finals

MANILA, Philippines – The Colegio de San Lorenzo Griffins made it to the finals, while the St. Francis of Assisi Doves stayed in contention Wednesday in the Final Four semifinals of the 8th Universities and Colleges of Luzon Athletic Association (UCLAA) men’s basketball tournament.

The top seeded Griffins got off to another great start, and swamped the National College of Business and Arts Wildcats, 74-46,  at the Marikina Sports Complex.

The third ranked Doves forced a rubber match after stopping the second seeded PATTS College of Aeronautics Sea Horses, 67-50.

Jun Gabriel showed the way with 16 points for the Sea Horses, who took charge right away with their 21-6 lead in the first period.

Tristan Laman’s triple at the end of the quarter handed the Griffins a 15-point advantage when the second quarter got under way.

The Boni Garcia-coached Griffins were ahead by 28 points at the end of the third off Dominic Formiento’s charities.

Kevin Ramos shot 16 points for the Gabby Velasco-mentored Doves, while Paolo Castro added 14.

They established a 15-11 first quarter edge, before their counterattacks in the second period allowed them to gain an 11-point lead.

Castro’s layup saw the Doves taking a 29-18 spread with 1:51 to go.

They continued nursing a 13-point edge, 51-38, midway in third, 51-38, and off John Paul Sarao’s efforts with the final 6:40.