Olivarez College proved to be steadier down the stretch, slipping past Philippine Christian University-Dasmarinas (pcu-d), 82-80, in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL)-PGFLEX Linoleum 7th Season on Monday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Struggling all-game long, Christian Allen Vergara rose to the occasion and nailed a clutch floater with 19 seconds left and then completed a vital steal seconds after to lift the Sea Lions past the gritty Dolphins for their fourth straight victory, tying University of Batangas and Manila Central University for the lead at 4-1.

Vergara’s clutch hit also preserved a strong showing from Rodel Renon, who fired a team-high 17 points, and Hakim Njiasse, who finished with 15 points, 16 rebounds and four steals.

In the other game, reigning titlist Centro Escolar University notched its second straight win with a 77-54 drubbing of Philippine Women’s University, thanks to another stellar performance from Israel Friday.

Friday was a monster down low as he completed another double-double of 25 points and 13 rebounds in just almost 22 minutes of action.

Monsour Proel also had 15 while John Escalante added 10 as Olivarez improved to a 4-1 record while sinking PCU-D to a 4-2 slate.