PBA IMAGES
Centro Escolar University hardly broke a sweat as it decimated AMA Online Education, 118-83, Thursday in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Art Aquino and Mishaal Veron caught fire in the second quarter as the duo accounted for 21 of the Scorpions’ 42-point explosion to turn a tight 25-24 lead at the end of the opening frame to a decisive 67-41 halftime lead.
The spread extended to as high as 42, 108-66, after a Joseph Manlangit three-pointer with 6:56 remaining as CEU shot a solid 46-percent clip from the field.
Rod Ebondo remained as solid as ever for the Scorpions with 27 markers, 21 coming in the first half, to go with nine rebounds before sitting the game out at the 5:31 mark of the third period onwards.
Aquino got 15 markers, 11 of which coming in that telling second quarter, while Veron poured 10 of his 12 points in that frame, to go with five boards.
Judel Fuentes finished with 12 points, five assists, and four rebounds, while Manlangit got 11 for CEU’s third straight win.
“I’m happy with how the boys played. We were still feeling our way in the start, but when we focused to run on the break in the second quarter, that’s when everybody played well,” said coach Yong Garcia as the Scorpions remained on top of the standings at 6-1.
Robbie Manalang led the hapless Titans with 23 points and four rebounds, while Mac Andaya tallied a double-double of 19 markers, 12 boards, and two blocks.
AMA went down for the third straight time to fall to 1-6.
The Scores:
CEU 118 — Ebondo 27, Aquino 15, Fuentes 12, Veron 12, Manlangit 12, Opiso 10, Caballero 6, Cruz 6, Guinitaran 6, Wamar 6, Uri 5, Arim 2, Chan 0, Saber 0.
AMA ONLINE EDUCATION 83 — Manalang 23, Andaya 19, Escalambre 14, Martinez 11, Garcia 5, Lao 5, Antonares 2, Quijano 2, Taganas 2.
Quarters: 25-24, 67-41, 97-58, 118-83.