Rodrigue Ebondo of the CEU Scorpions eludes Jay-R Taganas of AMA Online Education. (PBA Images)
By Jerome Lagunzad
Centro Escolar University proved too much for slumping AMA Online Education, 118-83, yesterday to keep its grip of top spot in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Congolese center Rod Ebondo delivered 27 points, nine rebounds and two assists while Art Patrick Aquino and Mishaal Veron combined for 21 points in the second quarter that enabled the Scorpions to break free from the Titans.
It was the second victory in four days and sixth overall in seven starts for CEU, which took full advantage of its quickness to pounce on the absence of several vital cogs of AMA, which even played without tactician Mark Herrera.
“Masaya ako sa nilaro ng mga bata. When we decided to run, maganda na ipinakita ng team,” said CEU coach Yong Garcia, who also got a combined 27-point output from mainstays Patrick Aquino and Judel Fuentes.
Guard Rob Manalang finished with 23 points, four rebounds, and two assists while former pro Mac Andaya added 19 points and 12 rebounds in a losing cause for AMA, which dropped to a 1-6 slate.
Earlier, guard Jerie Pingoy rediscovered his touch just in time to help Akari-Adamson hold off Batangas-Emilio Aguinaldo College, 89-79.