Chris dela Peña of Batangas EAC is fouled by Prince Eze of Perpetual during their game Friday. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ
J-Jay Alejandro found his mark when it mattered as Go for Gold stunned Centro Escolar University, 91-89, in overtime Thursday in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The former NU Bulldog drilled two treys in the extra period, the last giving his side a 90-87 lead with 2:43 remaining before the Scratchers’ defense got the job done with Jimboy Pasturan securing crucial offensive boards in the final minute.
“It’s definitely a big win,” said coach Charles Tiu as his side leveled their standing at 3-3. “I like the fact that we fought and won against CEU.”
In the other game, Perpetual got back to its winning ways and clobbered Batangas-EAC, 82-75.
Alejandro fired nine points on a 2-of-6 shooting from downtown, while also nabbing four rebounds and two assists.
Justin Gutang led Go for Gold with 20 points, five assists, and four boards.
JK Casiño also shone with 15 points, including the team’s last five points in regulation to force the overtime against his former squad.
He first tied the game at 82 with a booming right corner three with 50.3 seconds remaining and then again at 84 with a layup over Rod Ebondo with 5.1 ticks left.
It was the first defeat in four games for the Scorpions.