Scorpions, Griffins begin title series

MANILA, Philippines — Centro Escolar University and Colegio de San Lorenzo collide today in a duel of top teams with contrasting styles, each raring to gain the edge in a best-of-three series for the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) Season 2 crown at the Olivarez Coliseum in Sucat, Parañaque.

But the defending champion Scorpions will be coming into the 2 p.m. clash as the underdogs with the absence of last year’s main defensive man Rod Ebondo. In contrast, the return of pro league aspirant Jon Gabriel has boosted the offense-oriented Griffins’ bid in the short title playoff.