PBA DL: Centro strikes
Published Jan 29, 2018 10:00 pm

Centro Escolar University Scorpions’ Mark Neil Cruz (35) towers with a jumper against the Marinerong Pilipino Skippers in yesterday’s PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. (PBA Images)
By Jerome Lagunzad
Centro Escolar University fired an ominous warning to its future rivals by upstaging fancied Marinerong Pilipino, 104-93, yesterday for a solid debut in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Congolese center Rod Ebondo proved to be the Scorpions’ pillar of strength with a season-high 31 points while veterans JJ Manlangit, Judel Fuentes and Orlan Wamar delivered the knockout blows that thwarted the Skippers.
“Medyo nag-relax nu’ng lumamang na kami. Buti na lang, bumawi sila sa depensa nu’ng fourth (period),” said CEU Coach Yong Garcia after the Scorpions recovered from blowing a 19-point third quarter lead.
Rian Ayonayon tallied 24 points while Renzo Subido and Billy Robles accounted for 17 points each as they took turns in helping the Skippers claw back from a 62-43 hole.
But Wamar and Manlangit combined in a 14-2 counterattack to quash the threat.
The Skippers, considered the top favorite, took their second straight loss after opening with a 94-92 win over Zark’s Burger.