Scorpions go for UCBL crown over Sea Lions

MANILA, Philippines – Centro Escolar University goes all-out for a repeat over Olivarez College as it shoots for the inaugural Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) crown today at the Olivarez College Sports Center in Parañaque.

The Scorpions trampled the Sea Lions, 66-41, in Game One of their best-of-three series Monday but coach Yong Garcia expects a more-determined Olivarez side in their 2 p.m. encounter.

Technological Institute of the Philippines and Colegio de San Lorenzo dispute third place honors in a one-game duel at 12 noon.

Center Rod Ebondo led CEU’s charge with 14 points and 17 rebounds, more than one-fourth of the Scorpions’ production (53) on the glass to dominate the hosts.

The 6-foot-5 Ebondo also drew solid backup from Jason Opiso and Orlan Wamar, who had 11 markers apiece, as the Scorpions pulled away from a tight first half contest into a runaway triumph.

The result also allowed CEU to avenge its only defeat in the UCBL campaign – a 63-65 setback at the close of the double-round eliminations.

Benefiting from the stunning victory over CEU in the elims, Olivarez advanced to the championship round by bucking the twice-to-beat edge of TIP in the semis.

In Game 1, Olivarez was within reach of CEU for most of the first half, but the Scorpions came through with a strong finishing kick to prevail.