Centro Escolar University maintained its perfect start with a commanding 88-71 victory over University of the Batangas, seizing an early solo lead in the PG Flex-UCAL Season 8 Basketball Tournament on Monday at Paco Arena in Manila.
Mark Jade Sarza led four players in double figures as the Scorpions relied on a balanced attack to overpower the Brahmans, improving their record to 3-0.
Sarza finished with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Precious Momowei contributed 12 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks.
Gabrielle Gamboa and Kem Sabsalon added 14 points each, helping CEU lead by as many as 23 before UB absorbed its first loss in two games.
In other action, LPU-Batangas stunned formerly undefeated Diliman, 87-81, to earn their first win of the season.
Leonard Marana tried to keep Diliman in the game with 24 points, but it wasn’t enough as the Dragons dropped to a 2-1 record.
The Pirates, meanwhile, kept control in the final frame, with James Martin Paco and Kyle Mitra combining for 31 points.
Immaculada Concepcion College also notched its breakthrough win, edging the Manila Central University Supremos, 90-84.
Aaron Wico led ICC with 16 points as the Blue Hawks held off a late MCU rally after building a lead of up to 17.
Philippine Christian University-Dasmarinas dominated Philippine Women’s University Patriots, 71-41, to improve to 2-1.
The Dolphins set the tone with a blistering first half, leading 43-25 and never looking back.
Alvin Reyes spearheaded the effort with 22 points and 10 rebounds in the wire-to-wire victory.
