THE Technological Institute of the Philippines Engineers, the Olivarez College Sea Lions and the St. Francis of Assissi College Doves came up with stirring triumphs yesterday at the TIP gymnasium in Quezon City.
The Engineers turned the tables on the New Era University Titans in the fourth period for a 60-49 beating that gave them their first win in the 25th National Capital Region Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
The Sea Lions prevailed over the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars, 78-65, while the Doves turned back the De Ocampo Memorial College Cobras, 96-85, to catch up with the Engineers.
All three squads now share the early lead with the University of Luzon Golden Tigers and the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies Blue Sharks.
Terrence Lee Matignas fired 14 points for the Engineers, who trailed by five at the end of the third period, 36-41.
Limiting the Titans to eight points in the last 10 minutes, the Engineers banked on a 15-0 blast to grab a 51-41 edge in the last 4:07.
Jay Gadon shot 12 points, including five points that he scored during the breakaway.
The Engineers will shoot for their second straight win against the Golden Tigers when action resumes on Jan. 9.
Meanwhile, RJ Sunga unloaded 17 points for the Sea Lions, while John Jibb Larotin connected with 23 points for the Doves.
In Group B, Norman Torreno top-scored for 21 points as the PATTS College of Aeronautics Sea Horses smothered the La Salle-Dasmarinas Patriots, 90-77.