Defending champion Centro Escolar University made quick work of Guang Ming College, securing an 83-57 victory and clinching the first ticket to the semifinals in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League-PG Flex Linoleum Season 6 at the Paco Arena on Thursday, March 7.
The Scorpions didn’t even need their twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals, as they clipped the wings of the Flying Dragons behind a strong first-quarter showing.
CEU swiftly demonstrated its prowess on both ends of the floor, exploding for 21 points in the first 10 minutes while limiting Guang Ming to a measly nine points.
Abdul-Wahab Olusesi was pivotal in that tough defensive stand, finishing with a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds, in addition to five blocks and four steals.
Daniel Marcelo added 10 points and six boards, while Franz Diaz had an all-around effort with six points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
Although Guang Ming showed a semblance of life in the middle quarters, it hardly threatened CEU, which even built a commanding 31-point lead, 81-50, early in the final frame.
Jerover Cabilla was the lone bright spot for Guang Ming, finishing with 10 points.
CEU now awaits the results of the other quarterfinals clash between the University of Batangas and Lyceum of the Philippines-Batangas to determine its semifinals foe.
In the other pairing, Diliman College survived to fight another day with a gutsy 83-81 victory against the twice-to-beat Philippine Christian University – Dasmarinas.
Axl Taporco was clutch in the endgame, drilling a booming triple with four seconds left to put the Blue Dragons ahead for good. He finished with 24 points, built on four triples.
However, tensions flared after the game, resulting in a post-game melee.
