Olivarez boosts UCAL drive

MANILA, Philippines —  Olivarez College secured a Top 4 slot with an 82-65 demolition of Philippine Women’s University in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League-PG Flex Linoleum Season 6 yesterday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

In beating the PWU Patriots, the Olivarez Sea Lions needed one decisive breakaway in the second quarter to finish the initial phase of the elims with a 5-3 record.

Mark Joshua Gallano came off the bench to lead Olivarez’ telling run, coming though with back-to-back baskets inside the paint to highlight a 10-4 assault that gave them a 44-34 lead at halftime.

The Sea Lions even heightened their attack, taking a 21-point spread at one time in the fourth to keep the Patriots winless in the 9-school tournament also presented by Angel’s Pizza.

In the other game, University of Batangas enhanced its own Top 4 bid with a 92-73 drubbing of Guang Ming College, a victory that gave the Brahmans an even 4-4 record and the Flying Dragons a 3-5 slate.

In another solid all-around performance, Gallano logged 15 points, six rebounds and three assists to clinch another Best Player of the Game award.