Scorpions sustain Filoil streak, down Stags

MANILA, Philippines — Ably handling the pressure of its surprise run, Centro Escolar University hacked out a 73-62 victory over San Sebastian Monday to complete a sweep of Group C in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup.

Rodel De Leon scattered 25 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Scorpions, who will head into the quarterfinals toting a 6-0 record.

“The boys love to win and they’re pressured by the standings,” said CEU coach Edgar Macaraya, whose wards also stunned UAAP semifinalist National University last week, 61-58.

The hot-shooting De Leon teamed up for nine triples with Joseph Sedurifa, who finished with 19 points.

Earlier, Mapua rolled past the Philippine Under-18 Team, 100-70, to pick up its first win in a battle of eliminated Group B teams at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Jesse Saitanan buried 20 points to lead five Mapua players in double figures as the Cardinals arrested a four-game skid.

But the win hardly satisfied coach Atoy Co as the Cardinals even trailed by 12 points, 12-24, in the first half before outscoring the the young Nationals, 63-24, in the final two quarters.

“I don’t like that attitude that you come out half-heartedly,” said Co. The Scorpions stretched their lead to as high as 17 points, 66-49, after an 8-0 spurt midway in the fourth quarter.

Rodrigue Ebondo also shot 13 to help the Scorpions get past the Stags, who bowed out with a 2-4 slate. The Nationals remained winless in five outings. With a report from Vinz Luanne Lamorena, Contributor

The scores:

First Game

MAPUA 100—Saitanan 20, Eriobu 19, Nimes 15, Biteng 15, Cantis 14, Isit 6, Gabo 5, Serrano 4, Canaynay 2, Estrella 0, Layug 0, Gonzales 0, Villasenor 0.

PH U18 70—Tongco 20, Desiderio 18, Yu 15, Escoto 6, Asilum 5, Subido 3, Armenion 2, Go 1, San Juan 0, Manguera 0. Quarters: 12-24, 37-46, 64-59, 100-70

Second Game

CEU 73—De Leon 25, Sedurifa 19, Ebondo 13, Batino 6, Abundo 5, Opiso 3, Casiño 2, Jeruta 0, Mutombo 0, Amil 0, Anunciacion 0, Banua 0.

SAN SEBASTIAN 62—Perez 17, Ortuoste 10, Tano 7, Dela Cruz 6, Fabian 6, Calisaan 5, Aquino 3, Santos 3, Guinto 2, Balucanag 2, Yong 1, Costelo 0, Mamaril 0, Camasura 0, Alvarez 0.

Quarters: 14-18, 31-32, 50-42, 73-62