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Centro Escolar University rode Rod Ebondo’s big performance to kickstart its campaign with a 104-93 win over Marinerong Pilipino in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Monday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Ebondo flirted with a double-double, posting 31 points and nine rebounds.
The Congolese, however, wasn’t the lone hero for the Scorpions as Judel Fuentes went 3-of-8 from three to finish with 20 markers, five of which coming in the last 1:22 to stave off the late uprising from the Skippers.
Joseph Manlangit also got eight of his 19 points in the payoff period, and had seven rebounds, while Orlan Wamar tallied 11 markers, four rebounds, and three dimes.
CEU saw its 19-point lead, 62-43, dissipate as Marinerong Pilipino rallied back to knot the score at 75 late in the third quarter.
But the Scorpions quickly restored order, ending the third frame on an 8-0 run to regain the upperhand.
CEU was also buoyed by its 12-of-30 sniping from three while lording the boards, 55-44.
“It’s all credit to the players. They gave their best,” said coach Yong Garcia. “We had a good first half, but in the third quarter, we relaxed. I’m just glad that we followed the gameplan and recovered in the fourth.”
Marinerong Pilipino stumbled to its second straight defeat and dropped to 1-2.
Rian Ayonayon captained the Skippers with 24 points, eight rebounds, and two assists, while Renzo Subido and Billy Robles both got 17.
The Scores:
CEU 104 — Ebondo 31, Fuentes 20, Manlangit 19, Wamar 11, Arim 9, Guinitaran 8, Cruz 4, Aquino 2, Caballero 0, Intic 0, Saber 0, Veron 0.
MARINERONG PILIPINO 93 — Ayonayon 24, Subido 17, Robles 17, Toth 10, Tratter 6, Iñigo 6, Paredes 6, Banal 5, Pasaol 2, Babilonia 0, Lopez 0, Terso 0.
Quarters: 20-21, 55-41, 83-75, 104-93.