INQUIRER Sports

DASMARIÑAS, CAVITE?THE UNIVERSAL COLLEGE Golden Dragons turned to Lester Reyes and their defense in the clutch to repulse the La Salle-Dasmariñas Patriots, 79-76, yesterday at the start of the eighth UCAA basketball tournament at the Ugnayang La Salle Gymnasium.

Reyes, who scored a game-high 17 points like teammate Mac Montilla, scored on a layup with 42.4 seconds to go as the defending champions moved to safer grounds at 78-73, en route to the win.

The Patriots made the gap close on charities from Kit Licudine and a split from Sam Plamera but Cedric Matugas banged in another free throw to finalize the count.

Philippine Sports Commission chair Harry Angping made the ceremonial toss at the tournament opening.