Reigning champions Centro Escolar University unleashed a dominant performance, securing the largest winning margin of the season with a resounding 106-52 victory over WCC-Aeronautical and Technological College in the UCAL-PGFlex Linoleum 7th Season, Monday at Paco Arena in Manila.
Relentless from start to finish, the Bong Ramos-led Scorpions outscored the Skyhawks 34-12 in the final quarter, sealing their second straight win in the second phase of the eliminations. The victory improved CEU’s record to 6-5 in Pool A.
What made CEU’s triumph even more remarkable was its 54-point winning margin — a statement win in their quest for a playoff berth.
In another game, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas stunned University of Batangas, 87-83.
The Pirates, led by Alpha Bah’s double-double performance of 23 points and 11 rebounds, improved to 4-7, while the Brahmans dropped to 7-4.
To keep their hopes alive for a semifinal spot, the three-peat-seeking Scorpions must win their remaining two games — against Diliman College on Thursday and the surging Immaculada Concepcion College on Monday, March 17.
Foreign student-athlete Israel Friday spearheaded CEU’s balanced attack with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Lance Siena and Medwin Ariate contributed 19 and 18 points, respectively, as the Mendiola-based squad handed WCC-ATC its 10th loss in 11 games.
Coming off an impressive 98-92 upset over league-leading Olivarez College, the Scorpions started strong with a 21-13 lead in the opening quarter and extended it to 46-25 by halftime.
From there, the Skyhawks struggled to find their rhythm, while Friday, Siena, and Ariate capitalized on transition opportunities to put the game beyond reach.
