Scorpions, Dragons dispute UCAL crown

MANILA, Philippines —  Centro Escolar University enhanced its bid for a first-ever back-to-back championship when it outlasted Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, 71-64, to clinch the first finals berth in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League-PG Flex Linoleum Season 6 yesterday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Meanwhile, the Diliman College Blue Dragons dispatched the Olivarez College Sea Lions, 72-65, to set up a best-of-three finale with the Scorpions.

The reigning champions leaned on an explosive first quarter show to book a return trip to the finals for a chance to nail their third title since ruling the league’s inaugural edition in 2016.

A last-gasp triple by Daniel Marcelo capped CEU’s bristling opening quarter assault that gave the Scorpions a 26-12 lead – enough buffer to weather LPU-B’s persistent rallies in the final half of their one-game semis showdown.