Centro Escolar University surged ahead in the third quarter and comfortably dispatched Diliman College 74-61, extending its reign in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League-PG Flex Linoleum Basketball Championship for another year on Monday.
Before another sizable crowd at the Paco Arena in Manila, the Scorpions, led by Daniel Marcelo and Franz Ray Diaz, outscored the Blue Dragons from Diliman 27-6, completing another title sweep in the best-of-three title series.
In achieving this remarkable feat—regaining the crown via a 14-game sweep last season—the Scorpions became the first team in the 8-year history of the league to win the title three times, surpassing their opponents who had dominated for two straight years (2019-2020) before the Covid pandemic halted the league.
Meanwhile, Olivarez College demolished Lyceum of the Philippines University, 84-69, in the battle for third place, in the event also presented by Angel’s Pizza.
While Marcelo topped the scoring for CEU with 23 points, it was Dave Bernabe and Dylan Darbin who sparked the team’s onslaught, with Bernabe’s driving layup finally putting the Scorpions ahead after a prolonged chase.
This led to an avalanche of baskets for the Scorpions, while the Blue Dragons seemed unable to counter CEU’s pesky defense.
So, at the end of the third quarter, CEU, which also topped the inaugural edition in 2016, enjoyed a commanding 55-36 lead, which Diliman found too difficult to overcome despite a gallant attempt to stage a comeback.
Marcelo was named Finals MVP after scoring 24 points in the team’s 80-73 win in Game 1 last Saturday.
In the battle of court generals, Diaz tallied 16 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds, while Season 6 MVP and Diliman ace Robbi Darang had 17 points, 8 boards, and 6 assists.
Aside from Darang, other members of the Mythical 5 are Marcelo, Olivarez College’s Dan Arches and Josh Gallano, and University of Batangas’ John Villarez.
