Scorpions, Dolphins pull off UCBL routs

MANILA, Philippines — Centro Escolar U blasted Diliman College, 88-61, while Philippine Christian U trampled St. Joseph College of Bulacan, 108-74, to nail down their first victories in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) Season 3 at the Olivarez College gym in Parañaque yesterday.

RL Guinitaran and PT Chan combined for 32 points while the 6-foot-11 Maodo Malick Diouf powered his way to 16 markers as the Scorpions broke away in the second quarter on their way to posting the 27-point romp in a big rebound from their 83-86 defeat to the Olivarez Sea Lions. They tie the Blue Dragons at 1-1.

Earlier, Vincent Remalocia, Omar Mangadan and Fil-Aussie Laurents Paluoja took charge as the Dolphins took a 52-36 halftime lead. The SJC cagers struck back in the third and threatened at 50-59 but the Dolphins countered with another big run to break the game open.

The victory snapped PCU’s three-game skid while dealing the SJC side its second straight loss.

Backing the tournament are CaféFrance, Yakult, Gerry’s Grill, Hapee Toothpaste, MaxSell Power Tool and Tough Mama Home and Kitchen Appliances, Tanduay Athletics and Toyota Motor Philippines.