Games Monday (Olivarez College gym)
12 noon – Olivarez vs TIP
2 p.m. – SJC-B vs PCU-D
Centro Escolar University got back at Olivarez College yesterday but not after surviving some scary moments, 89-82, in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) Season 3 at the Olivarez College gym in Parañaque City.
In avenging their 86-83 loss to the Sea Lions in the opener, the Scorpions needed the heroics of Pierce Tyron Chan to extend their amazing winning streak to 10 games.
Protecting a slim 85-82 lead, Chan buried a triple to finally repel Olivarez’s mighty comeback. The Sea Lions outscored the Scorpions, 35-19, in the payoff period.
More than redeeming themselves, the Scorpions earned a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis no matter what happens in their game against the Diliman College on Nov. 22.
In his best game so far, Chan buried three triples to finish with 25 points for the Scorpions. He also had 9 boards and a block in almost 28 minutes of play.
The Blue Dragons also triumphed, scoring an easy 82-61 win over the Lyceum of the Batangas Pirates to draw level with the Scorpions at 10-1.
The two teams clash for No. 1 on Nov. 22.
For a while, the Scorpions looked headed to another debacle after their 23-point lead they built behind a 34-point third quarter explosion almost disappeared as Olivarez slowly inch their way to threaten the Scorpions once again.
But the Scorpions refused to roll over and die, using the free throw area as their escape route in the event backed by CaféFrance, Yakult, Gerry’s Grill, Hapee Toothpaste, MaxSell Power Tool and Tough Mama Home and Kitchen Appliances, Tanduay Athletics and Toyota Motor Philippines.
Also shining for the Scorpions were Judelrick Fuentes, who had 19 points, and Senegalese Maodo Malick Diouf who completed another double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds.
