Coming off a Game 1 win in the NCRAA Finals, the Centro Escolar University Scorpions dealt Diliman College-Gerry’s Grill Blue Dragons a rude welcome in the 2019 PBA D-League with a 93-76 beatdown, Tuesday afternoon at Paco Arena in Manila.
Senegalese big man Maodo Malick Diouf was all over the floor for the Scorpions with 15 points, 17 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Meanwhile, Tyron Chan got 15 points, 11 coming in the killer third quarter, on top of six boards, an assist, and a steal.
Rich Guinitaran also scattered 13 points, five boards, two dimes, and two steals. He led the game-turning 12-0 run to open the third quarter, 53-37, which ended in a 29-point explosion to grab a 70-49 advantage.
The lead further increased to 25 numerous times in the fourth, as the Blue Dragons were waylaid in their season-opener in the Foundation Group.
“Actually, I’m surprised with the way we played today. I’m surprised with the energy and I’m happy with the way the boys were able to block out the NCRAA and come out with a lot of energy,” said coach Derrick Pumaren.
Beninese center Kevin Gandjeto led Diliman-Gerry’s with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Joseph Brutas got 14 points and five boards.
The Scores:
CEU 93 — Diouf 15, Chan 15, Guinitaran 13, Lisbo 9, Uri 8, Rojas 8, Fuentes 7, Diaz 7, Ke. Caballero 6, Intic 2, Formento 2, Ko. Caballero 1, Pamaran 0.
Diliman-Gerry’s 76 — Gandjeto 18, Brutas 14, Ligon 12, Cabanag 11, Mahari 7, Bauzon 4, Darang 4, Coquia 2, Enriquez 2, Salazar 2, Bonsubre 0, Melendez 0, Brill 0.
Quarterscores: 22-23, 41-37, 70-49, 93-76.
