Scorpions find lifeline in doing ‘little things’

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The small things mattered for Centro Escolar University (CEU), which emerged victorious against PSP Gymers, 109-107, after a tight double overtime battle at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday.

“[I] told them before the game that their simple contributions matter, regardless if it’s a pass or boxing out. Those little things will add up, so maybe that’s why we got this victory,” Scorpions coach Jeffrey Perlas said.

The Scorpions’ Franz Diaz led his team with 21 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Diaz fueled CEU’s first-half play, dropping 16 points before the half.

“We had to make adjustments like closing out on their shooters … sometimes the Xs and Os don’t matter in close games like this. It’s more of a battle of the heart,” Perlas, who credited the win to his team’s relentless play, said.

Ron Tolentino found his rhythm in the second half, finishing with a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Tolentino was instrumental to the Scorpions’ third victory in five games with his game-tying layup and a free throw with 6.6 remaining in regulation before hitting back-to-back threes with less than a minute left, 98-93.

“It’s a matter of stepping up. We always tell our players to be ready. If your number is called, you have to deliver,” Perlas said.