Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Centro Escolar University tightened its grip on Zark’s Burgers in the second half to take home the 78-62 victory Thursday in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Rod Ebondo carried the load in the first half for the Scorpions, before they locked down on defense and limited the Jawbreakers to just eight markers in the third frame.
That huge defensive stand gave CEU a 59-44 lead after three quarters as it ran away with the win.
The Congolese big man delivered a monstrous 23-point, 21-rebound, and two-block performance to tow CEU to an even 2-2 record.
“We’re slowly adjusting, but we still have lots of lapses,” said coach Yong Garcia. “We’re just trying our best to focus and improve every game. And it’s credit to the boys that they really focused on today’s game.”
Christian Uri flirted with a double-double with his 11 markers and nine boards, while JK Casiño handed out 10 points, three assists, and two rebounds in the CEU win.
The Jawbreakers could not sustain their winning ways after coach Jade Padrigao finally scored his breakthrough 109-91 victory against AMA Online Education last Monday.
Clark Bautista topped Zark’s Burgers (1-4) with 16 points on a 4-of-6 shooting from threes, on top of four assists, while Robby Celiz got 10 markers and four dimes in the loss.
The Scores:
CEU 78 – Ebondo 23, Uri 11, Casiño 10, Wamar 9, Manlangit 6, Arim 4, Guinitaran 4, Jeruta 4, Cruz 3, Saber 2, Galinato 2, Intic 0, Aquino 0.
ZARK’S BURGERS 62 – Bautista 16, Celiz 10, Mangahas 9, Nalos 7, Cudal 7, De Leon 6, Argamino 3, Sheriff 2, Cayabyab 2, Ferrer 0, Juruena 0.
Quarters: 27-22, 41-36, 59-44, 78-62.