Rod Ebondo was all alone for the layup. PBA Media Bureau |
By Dugout Philippines
PASIG--Centro Escolar University used a strong second quarter on the way to lopsided 118-83 crushing of AMA Online Education, Thursday in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup at Ynares Sports Arena.
Art Aquino scored 11 points and Mshaal Veron added 10 in the decisive breakaway that practically put the game away. The Scorpions had a 25-24 lead after one quarter but outscored the Titans, 42-17, in the second to extend the margin to 67-41 at halftime.
The lead ballooned to as much as 42, 108-66, courtesy of Joseph Manlangit's trey midway through the fourth period.
Rod Ebondo showed the way for the Scorpions with 27 points and cornered nine rebounds for CEU, which kept its front running spot with a 6-1 card.
"Masaya ako sa nilaro ng mga bata. Nung umpisa, medyo nag-adjust pa kami, pero nung nag-focus na kami to run, maganda na ang pinakita ng mga bata," said coach Yong Garcia.
CEU has now won three straight to bolster its bid for a outright semi-final berth. AMA suffered its third consecutive defeat to drop to 1-6.
Robbie Manalang fired 23 points while Mac Andaya registered a double-double of 19 markers, 12 boards, and two blocks in the loss.
The Scores:
CEU 118 -- Ebondo 27, Aquino 15, Fuentes 12, Veron 12, Manlangit 12, Opiso 10, Caballero 6, Cruz 6, Guinitaran 6, Wamar 6, Uri 5, Arim 2, Chan 0, Saber 0.
AMA ONLINE EDUCATION 83 -- Manalang 23, Andaya 19, Escalambre 14, Martinez 11, Garcia 5, Lao 5, Antonares 2, Quijano 2, Taganas 2.
Quarters: 25-24, 67-41, 97-58, 118-83.
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