Precious Momowei made an immediate impact for Centro Escolar University, powering the Scorpions to a convincing 64-47 victory over the Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas Pirates on the opening day of the PG Flex-UCAL Season 8 Basketball Tournament, Thursday at Paco Arena in Manila.
The 6-foot-9 Nigerian big man looked completely at home in his new team, bouncing back from a forgettable 0-14 stint with the University of the East Warriors in last season’s UAAP.
Momowei finished with 15 points, 18 rebounds, and four blocks, signaling that CEU is serious about reclaiming the title it lost last year.
While Momowei dominated inside, Orlando Guetteng of Diliman College provided a day’s most electrifying moment.
Coming off the bench, the shooting guard nailed a catch-and-shoot three-pointer with just two seconds left, lifting the Blue Dragons to a thrilling 74-73 win over the Philippine Christian University-Dasmarinas Dolphins in this tournament supported by Akari, Advance Solutions Inc., Smart Sports, Spalding, Quintana Sports, Crane Faucet, Hapee Toothpaste, CafeFrance, Vital, TopFlite Academy, Maruyama, Gerry’s Grill, Mighty Bond, and Undfitd Sportswear
Guetteng finished with six points on 2-of-4 shooting in nearly 12 minutes, sparking a wild celebration for the two-time champions.
Leonard Marana led Diliman with 25 points, including three triples, while FSA Solomon Kone and Matthew Calilong added 15 and 11 points, respectively.
Other matches also saw exciting finishes.
Reigning titlist Olivarez College narrowly escaped Immaculada Concepcion College, 68-65, while the University of Batangas edged out a strong Philippine Women’s University squad, 67-59.
The Sea Lions leaned on Hanz Philip Maycong, Rodel Renon, and Christian Vergara, with Maycong leading all scorers at 19 points, and Renon contributing 15, hitting both of his 3-point attempts.
