Scorpions, Griffins seek to seal UCBL title clash

MANILA, Philippines — Centro Escolar University and Colegio de San Lorenzo, the top two teams after the double-round elims, try to seal a title showdown as they go up against separate rivals today in the semifinals of the second Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) at the Olivarez College gym in Sucat, Parañaque.

The top-seeded CEU Scorpions, the reigning titlists, collide with No. 4 Diliman College Blue Dragons with the former needing just to win their 2 p.m. showdown to book a return trip to the finals.

The CdSL Griffins, on the other hand, collide with the Olivarez College Sea Lions at 12 noon, with the second seeded squad out to reaffirm its mastery over the hosts.

CEU and CdSL enjoy twice-to-beat edges following their impressive elims campaign. The Scorpions finished with a 13-1 card while the Griffins posted a 12-2 record.

The CEU-Diliman duel is quite interesting since the Blue Dragons are the only team that handed the Scorpions their lone defeat – a 59-56 decision in the first round last Oct. 7.

Though the Scorpions got back at the Blue Dragons in the second round, they will be missing a vital cog in their title conquest last year in Rod Ebondo, who is now part of the Congo national team priming up for a major FIBA tournament.