CEU seeks back-to-back UCBL crowns

Games September 7 

(Olivarez Gym) 

1 p.m.- BULSU vs UB 

2 p.m.- CEU ve Olivarez 

MANILA, Philippines — The Universities and Colleges Basketball launched its second season Wednesday with inaugural champion Centro Escolar University out for a repeat and introducing an eighth member in Lyceum of the Philippines Batangas. 

The Scorpions were picked as the early favorites having not only won last year's very first season by beating the Olivarez Sea Lions but also finishing a strong second to Cignal in the recently concluded PBA D-League. 

CEU will plunge into action right on the very first day at 1 p.m. on September 7 by taking on Olivarez at the Olivarez Gym. 

Bulacan State U and University of Batangas open hostilities as the two collide at 1 p.m. 

Diliman College tackle Technological Institute of the Phl at 12 noon while LPU-Batangas and Colegio de San Lorenzo collide at 2 p.m. on Sept. 9 also at Olivarez. 

CEU coach Efren Garcia said they are upbeat this forthcoming season. 

"We like our chances this year but we expect tougher competition because we know the other teams have also improved," said Garcia. 

All games from the elimination round up to finals will be televised at IBC 13. 

League president Franklin Evidente said he expected a more exciting season. 

"We are happy with our first season and the second one should really be more competitive and exciting with an addition of our eighth team in Lyceum Philippines Batangas," said Evidente. 

Molten is the official ball of the UCBL. 

Horacio Lim is tournament director.