PBA IMAGES
With a better supporting cast this time, Rod Ebondo delivered big in Centro Escolar University’s 76-57 bounce back victory over Akari-Adamson in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Tuesday at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
The Congolese big man was magnificent anew, pouring 25 points, 18 rebounds, and three blocks to lead the charge for the Scorpions.
Fortunately for Ebondo, the CEU locals also came out to play, with Joseph Manlangit contributing 13 markers and six boards, and Mark Neil Cruz chiming nine points and eight rebounds.
The Scorpions caught the Falcons off guard early, racing to a 19-4 lead and breaking away in the second half, leading by as much as 23, 74-51.
“It’s all about preparation. We really worked on our practice and that’s the reason why we got a good result today,” said coach Yong Garcia.
CEU lorded the boards, 57-42, with Akari-Adamson missing the services of Papi Sarr and Tyrus Hill.
The Scorpions regained the pole position at 4-1, while dropping the Falcons to 4-2.
Conrad Joey Catapusan led the Falcons with 13 points and six rebounds, while Sean Manganti got 12 markers and three boards in the defeat.
The Scores:
CEU 76 — Ebondo 25, Manlangit 13, Cruz 9, Wamar 8, Aquino 7, Caballero 4, Fuentes 4, Guinitaran 2, Chan 0, Opiso 0, Saber 0, Uri 0, Veron 0.
AKARI-ADAMSON 57 — Catapusan 13, Manganti 12, Lastimosa 9, Ahanmisi 7, Camacho 6, Lojera 4, Pingoy 3, Macion 2, Espeleta 1, Bernardo 0, Buenaventura 0, Mojica 0.
Quarters: 23-11, 40-32, 62-44, 76-57.