Dennis Laconsay and Mark Joel Joson delivered in the clutch as Manila Central University (MCU) handed three-peat-seeking Centro Escolar University (CEU) its third consecutive loss, 73-68, in the UCAL-PGFlex Linoleum 7th Season on Monday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
This marked the debut of former Blackwater head coach Bong Ramos as the new head coach of the Scorpions.
Ramos took over the role from Britt Reroma, who was relieved of his duties last weekend.
With MCU trailing 68-67, Laconsay made two free throws to pull the Supremos within one point.
Then, with just 37 seconds left, Joson hit a crucial three-pointer to give MCU a 70-68 lead.
Seanne Devon General managed to split his free throws after being fouled by Dylan Darbin, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Scorpions from losing their fight.
(C) UCAL
Meanwhile, University of Batangas (UB) extended its winning streak to four games after overcoming Olivarez College, 83-75.
UB, which had dropped its opening game, handed the previously undefeated Olivarez its first loss of the tournament.
John Paul Mendy led UB with 22 points, while James Torrato added 14.
The Brahmans surged to the top of the 10-team tournament, which is also supported by Akari, CafeFrance, Advance Solutions Inc., Smart Sports, Spalding, Team Rebel Sports, Quintana Sports, Crane Faucet, Hapee Toothpaste, Jiang Nan Restaurant, Vital, Top Flite Academy, Maruyama, and Gerry’s Grill.
Ryan Briones and Dhave Lalap each chipped in 13 points as UB demonstrated its depth and offensive firepower.
Laconsay led MCU with 18 points and 8 rebounds, while Joson and Rapael Perhis added 16 and 14 points, respectively.
Joson also contributed 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
With the win, MCU improved to a 3-1 record.
The performances of Laconsay and Joson overshadowed the impressive 26-point effort of Darbin, one of the league’s most prolific scorers.
