The Centro Escolar University Scorpions only needed the first half to crush the AMA Online Education Titans, delivering the 35-point decimation, 118-83, Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Firing all cylinders in the second quarter, the Scorpions banked on the pairing of Mishaal Veron and Art Aquino to turn what was a close 25-24 lead to end the first quarter, to a decisive 67-41 halftime advantage.
The lead ballooned to as much as 42, 108-66, courtesy of Joseph Manlangit’s trey midway through the fourth period for CEU, who had a 46-percent field goal percentage in the thumping.
Aquino unleashed 11 of his 15 points in the second frame, while Veron poured 10 of his 12 markers in that period, while also hauling down five rebounds.
Rod Ebondo showed the way for the Scorpions with 27 points, while also grabbing nine boards, before sitting out the final quarter and a half of the easy win.
“Masaya ako sa nilaro ng mga bata. Nung umpisa, medyo nag-adjust pa kami, pero nung nag-focus na kami to run, maganda na ang pinakita ng mga bata,” said coach Yong Garcia.
CEU have now won three straight wins to remain on top of the standings at 6-1, while AMA suffered its third consecutive defeat to drop to 1-6.
Robbie Manalang fired 23 points and four rebounds, while Mac Andaya registered a double-double of 19 markers, 12 boards, and two blocks in the loss.
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 83 — Manalang 23, Andaya 19, Escalambre 14, Martinez 11, Garcia 5, Lao 5, Antonares 2, Quijano 2, Taganas 2.
Quarterscores: 25-24, 67-41, 97-58, 118-83.
