Centro Escolar University, living up to its pre-season billing, claimed the bragging rights as the first-ever Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) champion by sweeping Olivarez College with a 59-38 win in Game 2 of their title series at the Olivarez Sports Center yesterday.
The Sea Lions, the surprise finalist, took a 14-13 lead at the end of first 10 minutes of play but could not sustain their drive, allowing the Scorpions to take control on the way to completing a two-game sweep of their best-of-three championship.
They took Game 1, 66-41.
The Scorpions were sharp on the offensive end and rock-solid on the defensive they held the Sea Lions to just two points in the third.
Orlan Wamar emerged as the Finals MVP after averaging 10.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in the series.
Earlier, Colegio de San Lazaro overcame a slow start to beat Technological Institute of the Philippines, 71-58, and capture third place.
Patrick Aquino led CEU with 14 points and six rebounds while Congo’s Rodrigue Ebondo added 13 points and 11 boards. Wamar added 10 points and four rebounds.
“Masaya and I’m very blessed na kami ang unang UCBL champions,” said Scorpions coach Yong Garcia. “I’m very thankful sa CEU community for the support.”
The Scorpions finished the season with an impressive 14-1 record, their lone loss was inflicted by the Sea Lions on the final day of eliminations.
Jayboy Solis had 12 points and four rebounds to lead the way for Olivarez.
In the awarding ceremonies before Game 2, Bulacan State University’s scoring machine Dominic Fajardo was named the inaugural season’s MVP.
Fajardo, along with CDSL’s Gabriel, Olivarez’s Clarence Sing, CEU’s JK Casiño and TIP’s Harley Diego, comprise the Mythical Team.
Scores:
First Game
CDSL 71 – Callano 21, Gabriel 15, Ancheta 11, Astrero 8, Vargas 8, Formento 5, Alvarado 3, Borja 0, Salizo 0, Lagman 0.
TIP 58 – Akpuru 17, Napoles 8, Jimenez 8, Diego 7, Magtinas 7, Santos B. 5, Santos I. 4, Pinas 2, Lara 0, Rosopa 0.
Quarters: 12-23; 32-29; 48-43; 71-58.
Second Game
CEU 59 – Aquino 14, Ebondo 13, Wamar 10, Arim 6, Manlangit 4, Fuentes 3, De Leon 3, Casiño 2, Veron 2, Umeanozie 1, Quiminales 1, Guinitaran 0, Saber 0.
OLIVAREZ 38 – Solis 12, Sing 6, Saguitguit 6, Bermudez 4, Navarro 3, Almajeda 2, Belaso 2, Udoba 2, Geronimo 1, Rabe 0, Sunga 0, Sala 0, Diaz 0, Rabusa 0, Francis 0.
Quarters: 13-14; 28-22; 44-24; 59-38.