Scorpions eye semis seat versus Engineers

MANILA, Philippines — Titleholder Centro Escolar University guns for the first semis berth as it collides with a struggling Technological Institute of the Philippines side in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) Season 2 today at the Olivarez College gym in Sucat, Parañaque.

Even without Congolese Rod Ebondo, the CEU Scorpions remain the heavy favorites in their 12 noon clash with the TIP Engineers, whom they thumped, 72-52, in the first round.

Ebondo flew back home to the Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of next month’s African qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

CEU drubbed Lyceum-Batangas, 85-56, last Thursday to wrest the solo lead at 8-1.

CEU coach Yong Garcia sees little problem trying to fill in the void left by the 6-foot-7 Ebondo.

“We just have to deal with it. Rod has been a big part of our system over the past few years but his absence could open up more opportunities. We’re still have enough warm bodies to fill in the void,” he said.