Centro Escolar University wielded the upset axe on Wangs Basketball @ 26-Letran, earning an 81-75 victory to stay alive in the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup playoffs race, Thursday at Ynares Arena in Pasig City.
Franz Diaz poured 22 points on 3-of-6 shooting from distance, to go with seven rebounds and two steals, but more importantly converted the game-sealing free throws to even CEU’s slate to 3-3.
“Malaking bagay talaga itong panalo. In-expect namin talaga tambakan kami pero we adjusted at yung players ayaw patalo,” said Scorpions coach Chico Manabat.
Jerome Santos also did damage with his 14 points, four assists, and three boards, while Nigerian big man Victor Balogun was a rock down low with his 13 points, five rebounds, three blocks, and two steals.
Defense was on-point for CEU, keeping Letran scoreless from the 1:19 mark of the third frame as it raced to a 72-56 lead with 4:02 left on the clock.
The Knights tried to mount a late rally with Kurt Reyson making it a four-point game, 79-75, with 19.4 seconds remaining, but Diaz canned the crucial freebies in the end game to stave off the rally.
Brent Paraiso powered Wangs-Letran with 20 points on 5-of-11 shooting from deep with seven rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.
Fran Yu scattered 11 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and three steals while Reyson added 14 points.
The Scores:
CEU 81 — Diaz 22, Santos 14, Balogun 13, Santiago 9, Ferrer 8, Ancheta 8, Cabotaje 3, Tolentino 2, Bernabe 2, Borromeo 0, Enrile 0, Malicana 0.
Wangs-Letran 75 — Paraiso 20, Reyson 14, Yu 11, Caralipio 9, Sangalang 7, Bataller 7, Tolentino 3, Javillonar 2, Ariar 2, Go 0, Guarino 0.
Quarterscores: 12-16, 37-37, 63-56, 81-75.
