Ivan Saldajeno |
By Ivan Saldajeno
PARAÑAQUE—CEU became the inaugural champion of the UCBL after taking down Olivarez, 59-38, in Game 2 of their championship series at the Olivarez Coliseum on Thursday.
The Scorpions, who once dominated the NAASCU before becoming one of the founding members of the UCBL, swept their best-of-three series against the Sea Lions to take home the first title of the league.
CEU played stifling defense on Olivarez in the middle two quarters, limiting its foe to only eight points in the second and two in the third to turn the game to a rout.
Patrick Aquino led the Scorpions with 14 points, six rebounds, and one assist, while Rod Ebondo added 13 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks, and one steal.
Orlan Wamar, who was named the Finals MVP, chipped in 10 points, four rebounds, and one steal.
Jayboy Solis had 12 points, four rebounds, one assist, and four blocks for the Sea Lions.
Box Scores:
CEU 59-Aquino 14, Ebondo 13, Wamar 10, Arim 6, Manlangit 4, Fuentes 3, De Leon 3, Casiño 2, Veron 2, Umeanozie 1, Quiminales 1, Guinitaran 0, Saber 0
Olivarez 38-Solis 12, Singh 6, Saguiguit 6, Bermudez 4, Navarro 3, Uduba 2, Belaso 2, Almejada 2, Geronimo 1, Rabe 0, Sunga 0, Sala 0, Diaz 0, Rabusa 0, Francis 0
Quarterscores: 13-14, 28-22, 44-24, 59-38
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