CEU downs another NCAA team after beating St. Benilde

MANILA, Philippines — Centro Escolar University notched their second straight win in the 2014 Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup after breaking down St. Benilde, 77-68, on Friday at the Arena in San Juan.

The defending NAASCU champions drew huge showings from point guard Alvin Abundo, forward Alfred Batiño and center Rodrigue Ebondo in keeping their unbeaten slate so far.

“We played better today and the players composed themselves,” said head coach Edgar Macaraya. “This time we were able to sustain our effort especially on the defensive end.”

CEU gained control in the second period and led by as much as 19 points, 40-21, after a triple from Ebondo with over seven minutes left in the third quarter.

Ebondo dominated the paint with 15 points and eight rebounds, throwing St. Benilde’s front court off its game as Robert Bartolo and JR Ongtengco combined for a miserable 7-of-22 shooting.

Batiño, who did most of his damage early, finished with 15 points and nine boards while Abundo had 12 points, nine rebounds, and five dimes.

The Scorpions repeatedly fended off rallies from the Blazers, who cut the lead down to single digits twice in the second half, to own another NCAA team after an opener win over Emilio Aguinaldo College.

After a mid range jumper from Ongtenco cut the lead down to 60-52 win seven minutes left, Ebondo and Abundo conspired to help take the fight out of the Blazers.

Jonahtan Grey led St. Benilde, which was terribly outrebounded 36-55, with 13 points, five rebounds and five assists while Ongtengco had 12.