Centro Escolar University shredded iWalk by 36 points, 120-84, to clinch a playoff spot in the 2019 PBA D-League Second Conference Thursday at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
Senegalese big man Malick Diouf was at the forefront of the Scorpions’ well-deployed attack, filling up the stat sheets with 29 points, 21 rebounds, eight assists, five blocks, and two steals.
Rich Guinitaran added 21 points, six rebounds, and three assists, Kyle Sunga made 17 points and nine dimes, and Eric Tuadles chimed in 12 points in the win that improved CEU’s card to 4-0 in Group A.
“Ang objective namin is to win kasi iWalk is only 2-1. Pag naka-tie namin ‘to baka mahirapan pa kami sa next round,” said assistant coach Gabby Velasco, who steered the Scorpions in the win for head coach Derrick Pumaren, who was out due to urgent matters.
CEU asserted control of the match early, befotr Tuadles and Joshua Abastillas joined hands for a 9-0 blitz to grab a 42-24 edge with 7:34 left in the second chapter and break the game wide open.
The Scorpions would enjoy a lead as high as 39, 116-77, after a Diouf’s lay-up with 2:36 left to play as they cruised the victory that made them the second team in the group to punch a playoff ticket.
CEU shot 50-percent from the field, mostly thanks to the 36 assists it dished. It also controlled the boards, 62 to 46, and its defense forced iWalk to commit 19 errors which it turned to 25 points.
Bernie Bregondo had 19 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Chargers, who did not have head coach Jonas Villanueva.
Wowie Escosio supplied 14 points and six rebounds, while Achie Iñigo and Janus Lozada each chipped in 11 markers in the blowout loss that dropped iWalk’s record to 2-2.
The Scores:
CEU 120 –– Diouf 29, Guinitaran 24, Sunga 17, Tuadles 12, Abastillas 9, Escalona 8, Bernabe 8, De Ocampo 5, Diaz 4, Tagal 4, Murillo 3.
iWalk 84 — Bregondo 19, Escosio 14, Ac. Iñigo 11, Lozada 11, Koga 9, Cruz 8, Cañada 8, Belencion 4, Ax. Iñigo 2, Parker 0, Taguinod 0.
Quarterscores: 33-22, 65-36, 93-67, 120-84.
