Three-peat-seeking Centro Escolar University (CEU) finally broke through with its first win of the season, dominating WCC-Aeronautical and Technological College (WCC-ATC), 83-62, in the UCAL-PGFlex Linoleum 7th Season on Saturday at Paco Arena in Manila.
After a sluggish opening quarter where both teams combined for just 15 points, the CEU Scorpions found their rhythm. They outscored the WCC-ATC Skyhawks, 25-11, in the second period to seize control of the game.
Christ Jay Singson’s outside shooting and Israel Friday’s presence in the paint powered CEU to a commanding 35-16 lead at halftime.
The Skyhawks attempted to mount a comeback, but the Scorpions responded at every turn.
Danieyel Contaoi and Gabrielle Gaboa provided crucial contributions, ensuring that the Mendiola-based squad ended its three-game losing skid on a high note.
Meanwhile, John Bernard Parista came up clutch, scoring five straight points as host Diliman College eked out a hard-fought 70-65 victory over Immaculada Concepcion College (ICC).
Parista finished with 16 points, including a pivotal three-pointer that gave Diliman a 63-58 lead with just over a minute remaining.
Matthew Calilong then iced the game with four free throws, keeping ICC at bay.
Singson led the Bong Ramos-mentored CEU squad with 16 points, despite a rough 7-of-17 shooting night, while Friday notched a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Contaoi and Gaboa chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.
With the win, CEU improved to 1-3, while the Skyhawks dropped to 1-4. ICC, on the other hand, slipped to 2-3 in the 10-team tournament, which is 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.
