Games Today
(Olivarez College gym)
12 noon – CEU vs Diliman College
2 p.m. – LPU-Batangas vs SJC-B
Centro Escolar University and Diliman College dispute the top seeding in the semis when they clash at the close of the double-round elims today at the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) Season 3 at the Olivarez College in Parañaque City.
Though both teams are already assured of twice-to-beat bonuses in the semis, their 12 noon shootout is likewise vital since the winner will have a lighter assignment in No.4 Technological Institute of the Philippines.
They can use today’s game as a barometer whether they have improved since their first round meeting last Sept. 20.
The CEU Scorpions won that match with surprisingly ease, 88-61, as the deadly troika of Pierce Chan, Rich Guinitaran and the 6-foot-11 Senegalese Maodo Malick Diouf led the team’s offensive spurts in several occasions.
Both sides have similar 10-1 records and appear cinch to arrange a title duel which is a best-of-three title series.
Securing the No. 1 seed is the immediate goal of CEU coach Derrick Pumaren and winning the championship is the school’s ultimate mission.
“We are here not just to make the twice-to-beat slot. Getting the No. 1 spot is our immediate goal,” said Pumaren.
That victory over Dilimanwas part of CEU’s 10-game winning run or since absorbing a shock 86-83 defeat to the Olivarez College Sea Lions in the opener.
The Diliman Blue Dragons, however, have become more cohesive and resilient since that setback by winning their next eight games – the latest was an 82-61 romp of Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas last Thursday.
Out to lead the Blue Dragons in their bid to get back at the Scorpions are Benin’s Kevin Gandjeto and Robbi Darang.
