Scorpions eye UCBL top spot against Gold Gears

Defending champion Centro Escolar University seeks to regain the solo lead as it takes on Bulacan State University today in the second Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) at the Olivarez College gym in Sucat, Parañaque.

Though assured of a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis, the CEU Scorpions still go all out against the BulSU Gold Gears in their 2 p.m. clash for the motivation they need when they face co-leader the Colegio de San Lorenzo Griffins next week.

Both the Scorpions, who beat the Gold Gears 79-68 the first time out, and the Griffins tote 11-1 records.

“We want to cover all the bases ahead of the playoffs,” said CEU coach Yong Garcia. “I like the way that my players have been playing lately. But I know that they still have plenty to offer as we try to make our continued adjustment in the absence of (Congolese import) Rod Ebondo.”

But the Scorpions will have their hands full against the Gold Gears, who are coming off a 109-101 victory over the Lyceum-Batangas.

Meanwhile, the Lyceum-Batangas Pirates and the University of Batangas Brahmans clash in the other game at 12 noon.

The Pirates outlasted the Brahmans, 88-84, in their first meeting last Sept. 25 with LyceumBatangas coach Dan Acero expecting another tight contest, saying: “Their record hardly shows how tough they’ve been playing in their maiden campaign in the tourney. We have to make sure that we come up with our A-game to avoid any upset.”