Ebondo, CEU send Zark’s crashing back down

The Centro Escolar University Scorpoions went down and dirty on the defensive end as it choked the Zark’s Burgers Jawbreakers, 78-62, to pick up its second straight win, Thursday evening at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Scorpions caught the Jawbreakers by surprise after the halftime break, choking them on defense as CEU held Zark’s Burgers to just eight points in the third frame and grab a commanding 59-44 advantage.

Congolese center Rod Ebondo towered over the opposition as he led CEU with 23 points, 21 rebounds, and two blocks.

Christian Uri had a near double-double with his 11 markers and nine boards, while JK Casiño handed out 10 points, three assists, and two rebounds to put the Scorpions up on an even 2-2 record.

Still, coach Yong Garcia isn’t buying his team’s hype despite stringing two straight victories.

“Medyo nakakapag-adjust na rin kami, but still, ang dami pa ring mga lapses,” he said. “Lagi naming sinasabi na kailangan naming mag-focus at mag-improve every game. And today’s win is credit to the boys dahil nag-focus talaga sila sa game.”

Clark Bautista led Zark’s Burgers (1-4) with 16 points on a 4-of-6 sniping from beyond the arc, to go with four assists, while Robby Celiz had 10 markers and four dimes.

CEU will next face fellow school-based team AMA Online Education Titans on Thursday, June 29 at 5:00pm. Zark’s, on the other hand, takes on Team Batangas on Tuesday, June 27 at 5:00pm.

The Scores:

CEU (78) – Ebondo 23, Uri 11, Casiño 10, Wamar 9, Manlangit 6, Arim 4, Guinitaran 4, Jeruta 4, Cruz 3, Saber 2, Galinato 2, Intic 0, Aquino 0.

Zark’s Burgers (62) – Bautista 16, Celiz 10, Mangahas 9, Nalos 7, Cudal 7, De Leon 6, Argamino 3, Sheriff 2, Cayabyab 2, Ferrer 0, Juruena 0.

Quarterscores: 27-22, 41-36, 59-44, 78-62.