The Scorpions failed to score a field goal in the last 2:24, then missed six crucial freebies in the final 80 seconds of the match which allowed the Maroons to stay within just a single basket in crunch time.
Guard Mon Abundo and Alfred Batino accounted for all those bungled FTs, but they also combined for CEU’s last four points which proved to be enough to fend off UP.
Veteran JR Gallarza almost won it for the Maroons but his potential game-winner rattled in then out as the time expired.
“I think this game was for us. That shot almost went it. We were just very lucky,” said head coach Egay Macaraya after the game.
Macaraya admitted that the poor freethrow could be due to fatigue as CEU also played in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup on Tuesday.
“I give them my credit. They’re very tired. They played yesterday. Their tired but their hearts want to win. It’ a very good sign. Being tired is no excuse but a win is a win.”
Rodrigue Ebondo, who put the Scorpions ahead 65-58 on a three-point play, scored 20 and pulled down 16 rebounds for the NAASCU champions while Batino added 19 points and 10 boards.
The win kept CEU undefeated after three matches while UP absorbed its second loss of the pre-season tournament.
Gallarza finished with 20 points on 4-of-7 shooting and added eight rebounds for the Maroons, while Diego Dario and Dave Moralde combined for 23.
UP’s last lead was at 45-44, but after a basket from Jason Opino put CEU in front with 1:12 in the third period period, the Maroons never experienced the driver’s seat again.
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