A week after winning the crown in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL) men’s basketball, Centro Escolar University (CEU) Scorpions’ feat feels more like a statement than an upset.
The CEU squad survived a furious late rally from defending champion Olivarez College’s Sea Lions to secure an 85-81 victory, clinching their fourth UCAL title and reaffirming their place atop the league.
More than just a win, it was a reclamation.
It was the third best-of-three showdown between CEU and Olivarez. They faced off in the inaugural finals in 2016 and met again in 2023—both times ending in favor of CEU.
Last April 23, in a match that mattered most, the Scorpions proved to be the Sea Lions’ stumbling block.
“For sure, we won’t let go of the things we worked hard for the entire year,” said Sea Lions standout Hanz Maycong. “That’s why I asked them to step up.”
In Game 1 last April 20, the Scorpions leaned on Kem Sabsalon, who scored seven of his 17 points in the fourth quarter to seal an 87-79 victory.
Tight defense
“We played tightly on defense because we want to bring the trophy back to Mendiola,” Sabsalon said.
That defensive identity carried into Game 2.
The Scorpions exploded to a 13-0 start, holding Olivarez scoreless for nearly six minutes before Allen Vergara broke through with a fast break layup. CEU closed the first quarter with a commanding 26-12 lead.
But champions don’t go quietly.
Behind Hakim Njiasse, Bryan Manuel, and John Escalante, the Sea Lions stormed back in the second quarter. Escalante’s pull-up three-pointer tied the game at 39-all, shifting the momentum.
CEU responded immediately, with Geric Cañete sparking a scoring run, while Mark Sarza and Christ Jay Singson restored order, giving the Scorpions a 48-39 cushion at halftime.
Late rally
It was a familiar pattern in the second half—CEU in control, Olivarez refusing to fold.
With 4 minutes left, the Scorpions stretched their lead to 14, seemingly putting the game out of reach. But the Sea Lions clawed back anew.
Clutch baskets from Escalante and Maycong, combined with missed CEU free throws, trimmed the deficit to a single possession.
Then came the moment that nearly changed everything. With under 15 seconds remaining, Season MVP Rodel Renon—quiet for most of the game—found Njiasse for a clutch three-pointer to cut the lead to 83-81.
Suddenly, the pressure shifted. Olivarez immediately fouled Singson, who split his free throws. In the ensuing scramble, it was Singson himself who secured the offensive rebound and called a timeout—an effort play that preserved CEU’s advantage.
With 6.1 seconds remaining, Kurt Miranda stepped to the line. After earlier misses, he calmly sank the first free throw to extend the lead to four—redemption in its simplest form.
On the final possession, Nijasse pushed the ball ahead to Vergara, but CEU’s defense swarmed, forcing a desperate halfcourt attempt that fell short.
Sarza was named Finals MVP after finishing with 25 points, nine rebounds, and two assists. Singson added 20 points and key plays in the closing moments.
First-season stint
For head coach Joe Silva, the victory went beyond statistics. In his first season with the team, he played a pivotal role in CEU’s resurgence.
“I’m not that good without them,” Silva said, thanking his family, the CEU management, and his coaching staff. “Hats off to all of them…This is their championship. They sacrificed—I love you all.”
Earlier that day, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas (LPU-B) secured a historic third-place finish after dominating Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas (PCU-D), 110-86.
Patrick Balubar led the way with 23 points, while Alpha Bah added 29, powering the Pirates to their first podium finish in school history.
“It was a very important game for us,” Balubar said. “We also did it for our graduating teammates—we want to give them a memorable exit.”
After falling short last season, CEU returned with purpose. They dominated the elimination round with a 10-1 record, securing the top seed, a semifinals berth, and a twice-to-beat advantage.
They made quick work of LPU-B, 82-75, to punch their ticket to the finals.
Olivarez entered the postseason as defending champions with a 9-2 record. But their path was far from smooth. They were pushed to the brink by PCU-D, losing their first semifinal meeting, 78-75, before bouncing back in the do-or-die game, 68-56. CS
Terrence John Martin A. Fernandez, a journalism student at Bicol University in Legazpi City, Albay, is an intern at CoverStory.ph.
