MANILA – Centro Escolar University Scorpions leaned on a huge fourth quarter spurt to beat Marinerong Pilipino Skippers, 93-76, in the 2019 PBA D-League on Tuesday at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
Holding to a slim 58-57 lead after three quarters, the Scorpions started strong in the fourth frame on hits by Maodo Malick Diouf and John Lisbo and a triple by Judel Fuentes for a 67-58 lead.
The Skippers came to within single digit but the Scorpions pulled away for good with outside hits from Pierce Chan and inside drives by Keanu Caballero and Diouf for its largest lead at 92-73.
Diouf finished the match with double-double 22 points and 19 rebounds, while Caballero, Fuentes and Chan added 17, 14 and 12 markers, respectively, for the Scorpions, which remained on top of Foundation Group with 6-0 win-loss card.
“We just got to be ready for every situation. Marinero was able to catch up and get the lead, but we’re able to regroup, kept our poise, and played defense. That’s what has been keeping us to where we are,” said Scorpions head coach Derrick Pumaren.
The Scorpions was dominant in almost the entire match but the UAAP players-reinforced Skippers mounted a huge run and even took the lead at 57-56 on a basket by Anton Asistio.
Asistio mustered 17 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while Bacolodnon Kib Montalbo chipped in 16 points, six steals, four rebounds, and two assists for the Skippers (3-3)./PN
