By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Today
(Olivarez College gym)
12 noon — CEU vs Olivarez
2 p.m. — TIP vs BulSU
Action in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) Season 2 resumes today with defending champion Centro Escolar University out to seize the solo lead against streaking Olivarez College at the Sea Lions’ own floor in Sucat, Parañaque City.
Already assured of a Final Four berth and a twice-to-beat incentive, the Scorpions will come in to the 12 noon opener fresh from a nine-day respite and determined to repeat a 60-43 victory over the Sea Lions in a rematch of last year’s finals during the tourney’s opener last Sept. 7.
“I want to see that same desire and hunger from my players since we’re already preparing ourselves for the playoffs,” said CEU coach Yong Garcia. “We might even face them (Sea Lions) in the Final Four so it’s a must for us to have that psychological edge too.”
While CEU is eager to extend its winning streak to five matches and break a two-way tie with idle Colegio de San Lorenzo Griffins for the lead, Olivarez College is also motivated to stretch its own impressive win-run to seven games.
“We will give our best shot to get back at them (Scorpions),” said Sea Lions coach Mike Saguiguit. “They embarrassed us before our home fans the last time out so I’m sure my players are raring to earn some measure of revenge.”
Clashing in a no-bearing match at 2 o’clock are Technological Institute of the Philippines and Bulacan State University.
The Engineers are out to stop a three-game losing skid while the Gold Gears intend to come up with a strong follow-up to an 82-71 victory over also-ran University of Batangas Brahmans exactly a week ago.
