TECHNOLOGICAL Institute of the Philippines hardly flexed its muscles in scoring a 72-55 win over Colegio De San Lorenzo and clinched the third semis berth in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League at the Olivarez Sports Center in Parañaque City.
The Engineers, playing with utmost urgency to make it to the next round, jumped to an early 20-11 lead en route to the big win, their seventh in 10 matches to tie idle Olivarez College Sea Lions for second to third places going in the final stretch of the elimination round.
The fourth spot is now a toss-up between CDSL Griffins (4-7) and Bulacan State University Gold Gears with 4-6 record.
“We really played with urgency, but in all our games since the start, we took it seriously one at-a time. But you know, our target really is to finish the elims at no. 2. So our game against Olivarez on Thursday is very crucial,” said TIP coach Petit de Vera.
De Vera added they will pour it all in their game against Olivarez to have a chance of securing a twice-to-beat advantage.
“I think, the situation now is both TIP and Olivarez are already sure of making it to the semis. The problem now is which of us is no. 2 or no. 3. And that’s our target because it’s really a big advantage if you are to be beaten twice in the next round,” added De Vera.
The absence of top gunner Jonjon Gabriel due to left ankle injury was exploited by the Engineers.
Without their ace shooter, coach Bonnie Garcia’s Griffins shot only 17 of 62 tries.
First Game
TIP 72—Diego 12, B. Santos 11, Matignas 10, Napoles 7, Gadon 6, Pinas 6, Akpuru 6, Rosopa 4, Lara 4, Enriques 3, I. Santos 0, Mallari 0.
CDSL 52—Alvarado 15, Carongoy 13, Astrero 11, Ancheta 6, Borja 5, Callano 2, Vargas 0, Salizo 0, Lagman 0, Formento 0.
Quarters: 20-11; 36-25; 53-39; 72-52.
Games Thursday
(Olivarez Sports Center, Parañaque City)
12 noon – Olivarez vs TIP
2 p.m. – CEU vs BulSU