PARANAQUE CITY – Defending champion Centro Escolar University barged into the finals of the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) via a 90-86 win in overtime over Diliman College in semifinal action Monday (November 20) at Olivarez College. The top seed Scorpions rallied from 13 points down in the fourth period, 56-69, to frustrate the fourth seed Blue Dragons.
Forward O’Neal Arim sent the game into overtime on a layup in traffic with three seconds left on a baseline assist from Keanu Caballero. Arim’s shot capped CEU’s mad comeback started by a four-point play from Orlan Wamar and followed by more triples from Wamar and Rich Guinitaran to slowly nip at the Blue Dragons’ lead.
With momentum on their side, the Scorpions took over in the extra period with Judel Ric Fuentes picking up the scoring left by Wamar who ejected in the dying seconds of regulation due to a second technical foul. Fuentes scored five straight points to help push CEU to a comfortable 88-80 lead with 1:16 to play.
Still, Diliman refused to quit and came storming back with Rickson Gerero cutting the deficit two only two with 20 ticks to go, 86-88. Key defensive stops and a free throw each from Ebuka Umeanozie and Jordan Intic settled the final tally.
Despite his ejection, Wamar still led CEU with 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists, 15 of those points coming in their fourth period rally. Fuentes followed with six of his 16 points in the overtime on top of six rebounds.
Gerero paced the Blue Dragons with 22 points and seven rebounds followed by man mountain Adama Diakhite with 20 points, 19 rebounds and seven blocks. Diliman though managed to inflict on CEU its only loss of the season, a 59-56 squeaker last October 7 to close the first round of eliminations.
The Scorpions’ finals opponent will be determined on Thursday (November 23) after third seed Olivarez College forced second seed Colegio de San Lorenzo to a winner take all showdown in the day’s earlier game, 74-69. Game time is set at 12:00 PM.
How They Scored:
CENTRO ESCOLAR (90) – Wamar 21, Fuentes 16, Arim 14, Guinitaran 13, Intic 6, Manlangit 5, Umeanozie 5, Baconcon 5, Cruz 3, Galinato 2, Caballero 0.
DILIMAN (86) – Gerero 22, Diakhite 20, Mondala 15, Ligon 11, Brutas 8, Salazar 5, Darang 3, Corpuz 2, Tay 0, Bauzon 0, Sombero 0.
Period Scores: 16-12, 33-30, 47-49, 77-77 (reg.), 90-86 (OT).
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