CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Rod Ebondo continued to be a beast down low for Centro Escolar University as it frustrated Che’Lu Bar and Grill-San Sebastian, 105-88, to nail its second win Tuesday in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Pasig Sports Center.
The Congolese bruiser was excellent from all over the floor, lighting up for 28 points and 23 rebounds. He he was also two blocks shy of a triple-double with eight rejections in the victory.
Aside from Ebondo’s presence down low, the Scorpions also stung the Revellers with their lethal three-point shooting, going 12-of-31 from downtown to remain the lone unbeaten team so far this conference at 2-0.
Orlan Wamar drilled 5-of-8 from three to wound up with 18 markers, seven boards, three assists, and two steals off the bench, Rich Guinitaran got 14 markers powered by four treys, while Judel Fuentes pumped 14 built on two treys.
“Ebondo played his A game, plus he got the support from our locals,” remarked coach Yong Garcia. “We hope we could sustain this kind of game.”
CEU didn’t waste time imposing control of the game, establishing a 14-point lead, 49-35, in the second quarter before holding off the numerous rallies fro Che’Lu-San Sebastian in the end game.
RK Ilagan led the Revellers (2-2) with 19 points on a 2-of-5 shooting from three, to go with four rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Allyn Bulanadi also added 13 markers off the bench, Jeepy Faundo got 12 points and nine boards, and Michael Calisaan was limited to just 11 markers and eight rebounds in the loss.
The Scores:
CEU 105 — Ebondo 28, Wamar 18, Fuentes 14, Guinitaran 14, Aquino 8, Arim 6, Manlangit 6, Cruz 5, Caballero 2, Intic 2, Saber 2.
CHE’LU BAR AND GRILL-SAN SEBASTIAN 88 — Ilagan 19, Bulanadi 13, Faundo 12, Calisaan 11, De Leon 8, Batino 5, Capobres 5, Valdez 5, Jeruta 4, Baetiong 2, Costelo 2, David 2, Santos 0.
Quarters: 25-20, 51-42, 79-67, 105-88.