CEU blows 30-point lead, escapes San Beda for 3-0 record

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Centro Escolar University blew a big lead before surviving Metropac-San Beda, 80-77, in the 2019 PBA D-League Monday at Paco Arena in Manila.

The Scorpions took a 30-point lead late in the third quarter before the Red Lions went on a blistering 37-8 run to pull within one, 78-77, after two free throws by Donald Tankoua with under 20 seconds left.

Judel Fuentes led CEU with 20 points, including a couple of free shots that set the final count while Senegalese center Maodo Malick Diouf posted a double-double with 17 points and 23 rebounds.

San Beda had the chance to take the lead after Tyron Chan muffed a pair of freebies, but the Red Lions couldn’t capitalize as CEU stretched its lead back to three on Fuentes’ free throws.

The Scorpions racked up their third consecutive win in as many games.

The Lions absorbed their first setback after going 2-0 to start the tournament.

Tankoua paced San Beda with 22 points and 14 rebounds.