Centro Escolar U found its stride early and coasted to an 89-74 triumph over University of the Philippines Saturday even as University of San Jose Recoletos notched its first win in the Filoil-Flying V Hanes Premier Cup.
The Scorpions, who ruled the Naascu last season, leaned on the hot shooting of Samboy de Leon to pull away early and secure their second victory at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
De Leon fired 12 of his 16 points in the first period, combining with Jason Opiso in spearheading the Scorpions’ blistering charge. CEU knocked in seven treys in the first two quarters to seize a 45-31 advantage.
“We played well and met the challenge,” said CEU coach Edgar Macaraya. “UP is a team to beat but they lacked chemistry.”
Earlier, the Jaguars overcame the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 85-74.
Kevin Villafranca and James Regalado combined fot 31 points as the Jaguars notched their first win in three outings.
Regalado shot nine of his 15 points in a crucial stretch in the fourth period to hold off the debuting Generals.
The Scorpions led by as many as 22 points in the fourth period before the Maroons, who fell to 1-1, trimmed the gap near the end.
Opiso and African Rodrigue Ebondo added 14 and 11 points, respectively for the Scorpions who outrebounded the Maroons, 49-32.
The scores:
First Game
USJR 85—Villafranca 16, Regalado 15, Gastador 10, Labares 10, Nzuzi 8, Suano 8, Galvez 8, Villarias 3, Bayhonan 3, Navarra 2, Catipay 2, Lajato 0, Dinolan 0.
EAC 74—Onwubere 23, Aguilar 11, Munsayac 8, Mbang 7, Mejos 7, Serrano 6, Laminou 4, Pascua 4, Estacio 2, Morada 1, Diego 1, Esplana 0, Pascual 0, Corilla 0.
Quarters: 19-12, 37-26, 61-48, 85-74
Second Game
CEU 89—De Leon 16, Opiso 14, Ebondo 11, Abundo 9, Silverie 8, Batino 7, Pagkatipunan 6, Jeruta 5, Casino 4, Celso 4, Vargas 3, Arim 2, Aranas 0.
UP 74—Dario 15, Lao 12, Desiderio 9, Manuel 9, Moralde 8, Vito 6, Kone 5, Longa 3, Juruena 2, Amar 2, Gallarza 2, Jaboneta 1, Prado 0, Lim 0, Asilum 0, Tekoudjou 0.
Quarters: 25-10, 45-31, 74-56, 89-74