The CEU Scorpions Basketball Team moved closer to the finals after winning against the two-time defending champion Diliman College Blue Dragons, 81-68, in the 5th PG FLEX Linoleum-Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) on Thursday at the Paco Arena.
With Ron Rei Tolentino as the Best Player of the Game, having garnered 16 points with 6 rebounds and 2 assists, the team is rolling closer to the finals after capturing its 11th straight win.
Despite the Scorpions leading in the first half, 44-36, the latter continued to challenge the Blue Dragons. The intensity only ramped up as the game progressed, sparking a few confrontations that led to both teams committing errors, fouls, and out-of-bounds calls.
Regardless, the Scorpions remained unfazed and raised their playing level in the second half of the match, eventually claiming victory.
In an interview with Tolentino, he said that he got his strength from his father, who recently passed away while playing yesterday’s game.
He also answered when asked about winning, “Nag-stick lang kami sa mga tinuturo ni Coach Chico sa araw-araw na ginagawa naming mga play para makuha namin ang panalo na ito.”
Helping him on the scoreboard was last game’s POG, Jhomel Ancheta who contributed 16 points, and Henry Agunanne with 12 points.
The Mendiola-based squad will be facing the Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas for their last game in the elimination rounds on Monday, January 16, at the Paco Arena.