The Centro Escolar University Scorpions’ 24-point lead was high enough to hold off the AMA Online Education Titans, 96-85, Monday in the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Judel Fuentes’ 25 points steered the Scorpions to even up their record at 2-2.
Pierce Chan added a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Orlan Wamar dropped 11 points and five assists despite committing eight turnovers in the win.
CEU’s hot start enabled it to take a 50-31 lead in the second quarter before extending it to 24, 80-56 late in the third quarter.
However, Owen Graham brought the Titans back, trimming the lead down to 11, 92-81 with 1:48 remaining, but that proved to be their last hurrah as Chan knocked down the game-sealing baskets in the final minute to seal the win.
Though the Scorpions came out on top, their meltdown was the biggest issue on coach Derrick Pumaren’s mind after the game.
“We’re still not happy. We got to play consistent basketball especially defensive-wise,” he said. “We have to play defense the whole game. The attitude should change, when we’re leading, we relax and I’m not happy with that.”
Andre Paras tallied 21 points and 10 rebounds in his AMA return, while Graham had 16 points and 11 boards.
The Titans remain winless at 4-0.
The Scores:
CEU 96 — Fuentes 25, Chan 18, Wamar 11, Rojas 10, Formento 9, Uri 7, Guinitaran 6, Ko. Caballero 4, Ke. Caballero 2, Intic 2, Oloume 2.
AMA Online Education 85 — Paras 21, Graham 16, Garcia 14, Matillano 13, Palencia 8, Marata 5, Liwag 4, Nakpil 3, Cariaga 1, Alao 0, Alvarez 0, Lao 0, Sabile 0, Soriano 0.
Quarterscores: 28-23, 57-36, 80-58, 96-85.
