The Centro Escolar University Scorpions started their new era on a good note, walloping the Che’Lu Bar and Grill Revellers, 94-78, Thursday in the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Pierce Chan pumped 21 points and seven rebounds, while Orlan Wamar provided stability with his output of 19 points, five assists, and three boards.
Cameroonian center Gilles Oloume contributed a double-double in the tune of his 12 points and 13 boards to give new coach Derrick Pumaren his first W in the developmental league.
“We’re running the same system. We just want to put a little more twist,” he said. “I had them for two days lang kasi unexpected resignation ni coach Yong (Garcia). But I’m proud with the boys with how they played today.”
CEU turned a tight 41-36 halftime affair to a 67-52 blowout as its 26-point explosion in the frame was enough to blow away the Revellers into smithereens.
The Scorpions also took full advantage of their youth with Pumaren making the most of their bench and amassed 50 bench points.
Jeff Viernes topped Che’Lu with 18 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while Chris Bitoon had 17 and five.
The Scores:
CEU 94 — Chan 21, Wamar 19, Oloume 12, Rojas 12, Ko. Caballero 9, Ke. Caballero 8, Formento 7, Guinitaran 3, Intic 3, Uri 0.
Che’Lu 78 — Viernes 18, Bitoon 17, Melano 11, Collado 8, Mallari 8, Taganas 8, Siruma 4, Ochea 2, Sta. Ana 2, Flores 0, Lao 0, Ng 0.
Quarterscores: 21-16, 41-36, 67-52, 94-78.
