Scorpions claim UCBL semis bonus, trip Dragons

Games tomorrow 12 noon – UB vs BulSU 2 p.m. – CdSL vs TIP

Defending champion Centro Escolar University got back at Diliman College, 75-63, and clinched the first Final Four incentive in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) Season 2 at the Olivarez College gym in Sucat, Parañaque yesterday.

Orlan Wamar tallied 18 points, spiked by three triples, while three others added at least 11 points as the Scorpions avenged their 56-59 defeat to the Blue Dragons last Oct. 7.

It was CEU’s fourth straight win and 10th overall against one loss as it claimed a twice-to-beat edge in the semis.

Diliman College, meanwhile, took its fourth straight setback but kept its spot at fourth with a 7-5 card.

“They really wanted to win and didn’t let this chance to get back at them slip away,” said CEU coach Yong Garcia.

Senegalese Adama Diakhite took advantage of the absence of CEU counterpart Rod Ebondo, tallying game-highs of 21 points, 19 rebounds and three blocks, but failed to draw solid support from the locals.

Robbi Darang had 10 points and five assists but Rickson Gerero and Joseph Brutas groped for form and combined for just 18 points.

In the other match, Colegio de San Lorenzo fended off Lyceum-Batangas, 92-87, to likewise boost its bid for semis bonus with a 9-1 slate.

Soulemane Chabi Yo banged in 34 points, hauled down 23 rebounds and made three blocks, while locals Jan Formento and James Alvarado delivered four points from the line in the final 10 seconds to help the Griffins overcome the Pirates.