San Lorenzo sweeps Centro for the crown

Colegio de San Lorenzo big man Soulemane Chabi Yo exchanged highfives with pro-bound teammate Jon Gabriel, guard Charles Callano basked under the rain of white confetti and coach Boni Garcia earned a traditional victory ride from his players yesterday.

The Griffins had plenty of reasons to do so as they swept their way past the Centro Escolar University Scorpions, 71-65, to clinch the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) Season 2 crown at the Olivarez Coliseum in Sucat, Parañaque City.

Backup Jan Formento ignited the breakaway in the middle quarters before the 5-foot-7 Callano delivered the killer blows down the stretch to help CdSL repeat an 86-78 victory in the series opener over the weekend and dethrone CEU via a two-game sweep.

“This means a lot,” said Garcia. “Before we arrived here, I told my players to dream that they’re cutting the net, they’re celebrating with their teammates and our fans. Just dream of being the champions and we will all work hard for it. I think they were inspired by that.”

Formento came off the bench to lead all scorers with 23 points, spiked by five triples, while the 6-foot-6 Chabi Yo proved why he’s the reigning Best Foreign Player with an all-around showing of 12 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks and three assists.

It was Callano, however, who delivered the key baskets down the stretch, including a game-clinching basket off a counter steal against CEU counterpart Judel Fuentes, restoring CdSL’s lead back to six at 69-63 with 23.8 seconds to play.