MANILA, Philippines — Centro Escolar University continued its surprise run as the Scorpions turned back the rallying University of the Philippines Maroons, 69-67, to stay unbeaten in Group C Wednesday in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at Filoil Flying V Arena.
Rodrigue Ebondo scattered 20 points, 16 rebounds and two blocks, while Alfred Batino finished with 19 points and 10 boards to power the Scorpions to their third straight victory in as many games.
JR Gallanza tried to win it for the Maroons, but missed the potential game-winning triple in the dwindling seconds.
“The shot almost went in, but this is our game,” said coach Egay Macaraya after his Scorpions dealt the Maroons their second loss in three outings.
In other matches, Emilio Aguinaldo College carved out a 79-69 triumph over Holy Trinity College to improve to 2-1 in Group C, while St. Clare picked up its first victory in three games, 111-99, against the Philippine Under-18 Team in Group B.
Jack Arquero drilled 16 points to pace the Generals, who staged a 7-0 run midway in the fourth quarter to stretch their lead to double digits, 68-57.
“We started strong in the first quarter, but the boys relaxed thinking it’s just a team that came from the province,” Generals coach Gerry Esplana said of General Santos City’s Wildcats, who still hovered within three, 57-54, at the start of the fourth quarter.
“The complacency wasn’t something to be proud of but a win is still a win.”
Redoh Fabien unloaded a game-high 26 points, including 10 straight in the third quarter that helped keep the Saints in front, 76-72, against the young Nationals.
Colly Bolos posted a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Saints.
Marte Gil and Jason Ibay also finished with 17 points apiece. With reports from Vinz Luanne Lamorena and Ralph Joshua Hernandez, Contrbutors-trainees
The scores:
Second Game
EAC 79—Arquero 16, Aguilar 13, Jamon 11, Onwubere 10, Morada 8, Saludo 8, Happi 4, Santos 4, Serrano 4, Pascual 1, Indin 0.
HOLY TRINITY 69—Landicho 20, Masaglang 17, Batiller 11, Mahaling 8, Roxas 5, Pragados 4, Lape 2, Pepito 2, Yusop 0, Polistico 0, Etoundi 0, Desaville 0.
Quarters: 19-11, 35-31, 57-54, 79-69
Third Game
CEU 69—Ebondo 20, Batino 19, Opiso 9, Casino 5, Abundo 5, Jeruta 5, De Leon 4, Mutombo 2, Vargas 0, Sedurifa 0, Banua 0, Amil 0.
UP 67—Gallarza 20, Dario 12, Moralde 11, Asilum 9, Lao 7, Juruena 4, Gingerich 2, Harris 2, Romero 0, Bederi 0.
Quarters: 14-18, 31-34, 48-45, 69-67