By Jerome Lagunzad
Game Today
(Olivarez College gym)
12 noon – Olivarez vs CdSL
(Final Four, do-or-die match)
Colegio de San Lorenzo and Olivarez College square off for the last time today, with the winner advancing to the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) Season 2 best-of-three finals against defending champion Centro Escolar University.
The third-seeded Sea Lions, expected to draw a familiar homecourt advantage in the Sucat, Parañaque City-based venue, are eager to pick up from where they left off following a a 74-69 victory that neutralized the second-ranked Griffins’ twice-to-beat edge in the series opener last Monday.
“We’re halfway done from completing our immediate job. So I’m hoping my players will do their part in order for us to make it back to the finals,” said Olivarez College coach Mike Saguiguit ahead of their 12 noon encounter with CdSL which appears more vulnerable than ever.
The Griffins, who are on a two-game losing skid following a 69-57 loss to the Scorpions on the final day of eliminations, are looking to turn things around as they try to avoid the fate suffered by Technological Institute of the Philippines Engineers, then the higher-seeded team, against the Sea Lions last year.
“Both teams are even now in terms of where we’re standing at right now. It’s a win-or-go home for both of us. I just hope that my guys can respond to the challenge,” said CdSL tactician Boni Garcia.
If the Griffins want to bounce back, they need to draw a dominant performance from do-it-all Benin big man Soulemane Chabi Yo, who groped for form with just 13 points in nine attempts, hardly making his usual presence felt on the offensive end.
“His local teammates should find a way to make life easier for Soulemane. If he’s taking care of our defensive side, the others should do their part in terms of providing enough offensive support,” added Garcia.
Unlike Garcia, Saguiguit is pleased to see the Sea Lions thrive anew in a make-or-break situation, with the likes of Paulo Castro, veteran big man Vin Begaso and his proud son Dwight doing all they could to keep their titles hopes alive.