CENTRO Escolar University showed it can keep up with the varsity favorites as the Scorpions turned back NCAA semifinalist Perpetual Help, 78-72, to advance in the Luzon-Metro Manila regionals of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) yesterday at First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (Faith) gym in Tanauan City.
Joseph Sedurifa helped CEU build leads as high as 13 points, 68-55, while Aaron Jeruta stepped up in the clutch to lift the Scorpions past an Altas side led by reigning NCAA MVP Earl Scottie Thompson.
St. Clare also kept its own bid alive by overpowering Diliman College, 61-47, in the other game of the tournament’s stepladder, knockout phase.
The two winners clash at 2 p.m. today with the Scorpions, the back-to-back champions of the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (Naascu), seeking a repeat win over their Finals foe.
La Salle kicks off its title defense against NCAA third placer Jose Rizal University in the other match at 4 p.m. also at Faith gym.
Jayson Ibay drilled in 13 points to lead the Saints, who came out charging in the second half for an 18-point cushion, 55-37, going into the last five minutes.
The Scorpions survived the Altas’ late push that moved them within five, 75-70, with 69 seconds to go.
Jeruta came through with a crucial steal on Thompson—who delivered the usual numbers for the Altas—on top of scoring three free throws inside the last 47 seconds that secured the win.
Only the Luzon-Metro Manila regional champion will advance to the Elite Eight bannered by UAAP champion National University and NCAA titlist San Beda. Jasmine W. Payo