BY REYNALD MAGALLON
University of Batangas pulled off a huge upset over Lyceum, 89-88 in an overtime thriller to highlight an eventful opening day of the PG Flex Linoleum UCBL Pre-Season tournament on Sunday, July 17 at the SGS Gym in Quezon City.
The UB Brahmans started the game flat and fell behind by as many as 23 points in the opening frame before embarking on the furious rally behind the hot hands of Jem de Ocampo and Harold de Guzman.
De Ocampo took charge in the extra period, unloading seven of his 21 points during that stretch capped by a booming triple that put the Brahmans ahead for good. De Guzman and Jan Villarez backed him up with 20 and 18 points, respectively.
UB seized the early lead in the Group B standings along with University of Perpetual Help which leaned on a strong fourth quarter assault to take down Centro Escolar University, 84-77.
Shaw Orgo led the Altas with 16 points in just 18 minutes of play while Steve Flores and Christian Pagaran chipped in 14 points each.
Jose Rizal University also emerged as one of the opening day winners with a smashing 86-70 debut against Olivarez College. The Heavy Bombers rode on their balance attack as four players scored in double-digits with Agem Miranda leading the attack with 24 points spiked by four triples to go with three assists and one rebound in 22 minutes of action.
Meantime, action resumes Tuesday with University of the Philippines taking on Philippine Christian University-Dasmarinas at 4:15 p.m., the Altas shooting for win No. 2 against the Pirates at 12:45 p.m. and Far Eastern University debuting against Olivarez at 2:30 p.m.
