Scorpions stretch streak to nine wins in UCBL

MANILA, Philippines — Centro Escolar University extended its winning streak to nine games while Technological Institute of the Philippines completed the semis cast in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League recently at the Olivarez College gym.

With John Rojas, Rich Guinitaran and Orlan Wamar on the firing end, the CEU Scorpions blasted also-ran PCU-Dasmariñas, 95-76, to gain a share of the lead while the TIP Engineers repeated over the St. Joseph College of Bulacan, 96-59, to claim the fourth semis berth.

The TIP Engineers banked heavily on another torrid start to improve to 6-4, assuring themselves of the fourth and last semis berth no matter what happens to their last two games.

Protecting a slim 76-70 lead early in the fourth, Wamar touched off a quick 8-2 run that once again ballooned their lead and enough to take the fight out of the Dolphins.

Aside from tying the Diliman College Blue Dragons for the lead, the Scorpions boosted their bid for a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis.

The Olivarez College Sea Lions have already qualified in the semis with an 8-2 mark.

The seven-team tournament is backed by CaféFrance, Yakult, Gerry’s Grill, Hapee Toothpaste, MaxSell Power Tool and Tough Mama Home and Kitchen Appliances, Tanduay Athletics and Toyota Motor Philippines.