The Go for Gold Scratchers pulled off a huge 91-89 upset victory over the Centro Escolar University Scorpions in overtime to deal the erstwhile league pacesetter its first defeat, Thursday evening at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
JK Casiño haunted his old squad before J-Jay Alejandro took charge and hit his marks in the extra period as the Scratchers stunned the Scorpions.
“It’s definitely a big win,” said coach Charles Tiu. “CEU is probably the best team in the league while we’re a new team. I like the fact that we fought and won against them.”
Casiño scored five of his 15 points in the fourth period, including the last five markers which tied the game at 84 in the final minute, while Alejandro shot 2-of-6 from threes to finish with nine markers, four rebounds, and two assists.
Justin Gutang topscored for Go for Gold with 20 points, five dimes, and four boards, while Jimboy Pasturan had 14 markers and the last two crucial rebounds that sealed the deal in overtime.
The Scratchers went 15-of-38 from threes, nine of which coming in the first half which allowed them to shock the Scorpions and take a 35-20 lead before CEU made a huge fightback and even took a 61-51 late in the third period.
Rod Ebondo was the lone bright spot for the Scorpions (3-1) with his 34 points, 25 rebounds, and three blocks in the defeat.
The Scores:
Go for Gold 91 — Gutang 20, Casiño 15, Pasturan 14, Alejandro 9, Gaco 9, Leutcheu 9, Haruna 7, Domingo 3, Salem 3, Dixon 2, Ocampo 0.
CEU 89 — Ebondo 34, Wamar 16, Chan 12, Aquino 11, Manlangit 8, Cruz 4, Opiso 2, Arim 0, Caballero 0, Fuentes 0, Guinitaran 0, Saber 0, Uri 0, Veron 0.
Quarterscores: 27-17, 43-38, 58-65, 84-84, 91-89.
