After sweeping the elimination round, the CEU Scorpions Basketball Team secured the first seat in the UCBL finals and is expected to continue to take over the competition; however, the Sea Lions contested to prove that anything is possible by giving some hurdles to the former during the first game of the finals.
Notwithstanding a week-long break after directly advancing to the finals, the CEU team remained steadfast and started the game one with drive and determination, mounting double-digit leads a few times during the match until the third quarter, where scores got tied up, 52-52.
Olivarez stood their ground and challenged the team as it rallied a comeback in the latter part of the game.
Despite the Sea Lions’ revenge, the Scorpions showed composure, eventually drawing first blood in the finals series.
Ayodeji Balogun led the stat sheet with 12 points, 3 blocks, and 9 rebounds. Helping him with the scoring is sophomore Lenard Santiago with 13 points, along with Franz Diaz and Vince Ferrer with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Mendiola-based squad is looking forward to regaining the crown, as they took home the trophy during the inaugural UCBL season in 2016.
The team can win again in game two on Thursday, February 2 at the Paco Arena.