Warriors clinch UCBL semis berth

MANILA, Philippines — University of the East expectedly downed Centro Escolar University Team B, 85-71, to book a semis berth in the PG Flex Linoleum-UCBL Invitational Tournament Tuesday at the SGS Gym in Quezon City.

The Warriors got off to an explosive start but needed to foil the Mendiola-based Scorpions’ determined comeback in the final half to post their fourth win in five games in the seven-team preseason tournament.

The Scorpions fell to 1-3, with their Final Four bid now in peril.

Ateneo, meantime, kept its own semis bid alive with a 99-53 drubbing of Philippine Women’s University for a 3-2 record.

Jack Cruz led UE’s early assault in taking a commanding 49-31 lead at the half.