CENTRO Escolar University has no intention of giving Olivarez College a lifeline as it shoots for the inaugural Universities and Colleges Basketball League crown today in Game 2 of their best-of-three finals at the Olivarez College Sports Center in Paranaque City.
The Scorpions moved a win shy of capturing the title following a relatively easy 66-41 win in the series opener last Monday, but coach Yong Garcia expects a more-determined Sea Lions in the match set at 2 p.m.
Technological Institute of the Philippines and Colegio de San Lorenzo, which lost to the two finalists during their respective final four meetings, dispute third place in a one-game battle slated at 12 noon.
Center Rod Ebondo led the charge with 14 points and 17 rebounds, more than one-fourth of CEU’s production (53) on the glass to beat Olivarez.
The 6’5” Ebondo also got the needed support from Jason Opiso and Orlan Wamar, who had 11 markers apiece, as the Scorpions turned a tight first half into a lopsided victory.
The result also allowed CEU to avenge its only defeat of the UCBL campaign – a 65-63 setback at the close of the double-round eliminations.
That is why Garcia doesn’t see a quick path for the Scorpions to the championship, as the Sea Lions have proved themselves to be tough customers.
Benefiting from the stunning victory over CEU in the elims, Olivarez advanced to the championship round by erasing the twice-to-beat advantage of TIP in the semis.
In Game 1, Olivarez was within reach of CEU for most of the first half, until the Scorpions unleashed their might to pull off the win pulling away.
Olivarez, coached by Michael Saguiguit, will bank on Albert Rabe in hopes of forcing a deciding third game on Saturday.
Games Today
(Olivarez Sports Center, Paranaque City)
12 noon – TIP vs CDSL (Battle for 3rd)
2 p.m. – Olivarez vs CEU (Game 2)