CEU opens Dickies Cup bid with rout

MANILA, Philippines—Centro Escolar University-CaféFrance trounced Adamson, 96-72, at the start of the Smart–PCABL 4th Dickies Cup last Sunday at Philippine Buddhacare gym in Quezon City.

The defending champion Lady Scorpions exploded for 35 points right in the opening quarter as the starters, led by Janine Pontejos and Marjorie Mercado, exploited their quickness and height advantage.

Five Lady Scorpions scored in double figures, with Pontejos leading CEU with 19 points despite playing for only 15 minutes.

Mercado ably supported Pontejos with 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field while Cristine Caranto and Stefanie Ventura chipped in 14 points each.

Aside from a disappointing 10-point first quarter output, Adamson also turned the ball over 34 times, which Centro Escolar translated into 28 points.

Other opening-day winners in the event backed by CW Home Depot, Powerhouse, K-Tech Sports, Inc., Dickies Underwear and Jumbo Plastic Linoleum were University of the East and Far Eastern U-Multimotors.

The Lady Warriors upset the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses, 74-65, while the Lady Tamaraws overpowered the Ateneo-San Miguel Corporation Lady Eagles, 55-46.

Cherry Ano-os topscored for the Lady Warriors with 20 points while the Lady Tamaraws were led by Loraine Ventura’s 15 points.