CENTRO Escolar University tries to firm up its bid for the No. 1 seed in the semis when it goes for a repeat over Diliman College today in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League at the Olivarez Sports Center in Paranaque City.
The CEO Scorpions easily defeated the Blue Dragons, 75-59, in the first round, but coach Yong Garcia is taking the game like a do-or-die match knowing their rivals have what it takes to pull off an upset when they tangle at 12 noon.
“This is not the best time to play a relax game, we have to play as hard as we can to sustain our streak,” said Garcia.
CEU took the first semis berth in the seven-team tournament with a runaway 98-57 win over University of Batangas last Thursday.
The win – the team’s 8th straight in as many outings – put the Scorpions in a good position to clinch the top seeding.
CEU’s breezy win over UB gave its second unit the confidence it needed as Lorenz Guinitaran grabbed the limelight after scoring a team-high 20 points, while Nigerian slotman Ebuka Umeanozie added eight points and four rebounds.
Expected to lead CEU are Rod Ebondo, Jason Opiso and Samboy de Leon.
Clashing at 2 p.m. are UB and Olivarez College with the latter out to nail its sixth win to boost its semis bid.
Games Today (Olivarez Sports Center)
12 noon – CEU vs Diliman
2 p.m. – UB vs Olivarez