UCAA opener: Stallions down Jaguars

The Trinity University of Asia Stallions stunned the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars, 69-61, yesterday at the start of the 13th Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) men’s basketball tournament at Blue Eagle gym in Katipunan, Quezon City.

Mark Doligon and Joshua Saret shone for the Stallions, with 13 and 12 points, respectively, for Trinity which picked up the pace in the second quarter.

The Jaguars took charge in the first period, 20-15, behind Aries Dionisio, who made nine in the opening minutes of the game.

The Stallions’ transition game kicked in the second canto, Doligon and  Angelo Pineda combining for 12 points as Trinity pulled away, 33-20, before the first half ended.

Doligon shot seven in the third period as the Stallions, being coached by Junel Mendiola,  led by nine, 55-46.

Dr. Jesus Rodrigo Torres, school president of defending champion Rizal Technological University, led the opening rites and was assisted by UCAA president Tisha Abundo and UCAA board members.

The Jaguars were led by Justine Puno with 20 points, followed by Nino Abayan with eight points and Shaun Icaro and Michael Quiambao five each.