Sea Lions, Engineers eye third wins in UCBL

Co-leaders Olivarez College and Technological Institute of the Philippines take on separate rivals today, looking for their third straight victories in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League Season 3 at the Olivarez College gym in Parañaque City.

But while the Olivarez Sea Lions have a lighter assignment with the Lyceum of the Philippines-Batangas at 12 noon, the TIP Engineers brace for a tough outing against the Centro Escolar U Scorpions at 2 p.m.

Lawrence Paolo Castro, Lawrence Uduba and Elie Yani are expected to lead the hosts’ charge again with the troika combining for 42 points in powering the team past the Philippine Christian UniversityDasmariñas Dolphins, 80-64, last week.

Despite their edge in size – and experience – Olivarez coach Myk Saguiguit isn’t taking the Pirates for granted.

“We can’t take anybody lightly since they have what it takes to pull off surprises,” said Saguiguit.

Coming off a 23-point win (77-54) over the Pirates, TIP coach Potit De Vera said their showdown with the Scorpions could be used as a gauge if they can go deep this time.

De Vera, however, said his boys need to be extra sharp on the offensive end and rock solid defensively if they are to beat a team still high from an 88-61 win over fellow title contended Diliman College.

Backing the tournament are CaféFrance, Yakult, Gerry’s Grill, Hapee Toothpaste, MaxSell Power Tool and Tough Mama Home and Kitchen Appliances, Tanduay Athletics and Toyota Motor Philippines.