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[av_heading heading=’ Scorpions ousts Batangas, enters D-League Semis ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – Centro Escolar University Scorpions survived a tough stand by Batangas to score an 81-74 win in the quarterfinals of the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
John Casiño led the way with 18 points for the fourth seed Scorpions, which advanced to the best-of-three semifinals series against top-seed Flying V Thunders.
Rodrigue Ebondo and Mark Cruz added 15 points apiece on Thursday night, while Ilonggo Aaron Jeruta contributed 13 markers for the Scorpions.
“Sobrang proud ako sa kanila dahil talagang naka-focus sila sa game,” said Scorpions head coach Yong Garcia. “Walang nag-expect na nandito kami sa semifinals ngayon, but it’s all a collective effort. Dahil sa trabaho nila kaya andito kami ngayon.”
After leading by as much as 14 points at 67-53 early in the fourth quarter, the Batangas went on a huge run to come to as close as 77-74 with over a minute left on a conversion by Cedrick Ablaza.
The Batangueños even had a chance to tie the match but Robby Celiz misfired his triple try while his teammate Cedric de Joya turned the ball over leading to Casiño’s game-sealing free throws.
In the other quarterfinals game, Marinerong Pilipino Skippers forced a do-or-die match following a 74-72 escape over Tanduay Rhum Masters. Robbie Herndon led the way with double-double 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Skippers.
The Skippers nearly lost the match after turning the ball over in the final minute and Renzo Subido missing his free throws.
After two freebies by Achie Iñigo, the Skippers tightened its defense as it prevented Rhum Masters from scoring a game-winning shot.
“We knew we’ve been in this situation before. There were three games na naipanalo namin on the defensive end, and they were able to believe it and we were able to make a stop,” said Skippers head coach Koy Banal.
BOX SCORE:
CEU 81 – Casiño 18, Cruz 15, Ebondo 15, Jeruta 13, Aquino 8, Arim 5, Wamar 5, Manlangit 2, Guinitaran 0, Intic 0, Uri 0.
BATANGAS 74 – Celiz 18, De Joya 16, Ablaza 15, Bautista 7, Gabayni 7, Dela Peña 3, Isit 3, Saitanan 3, Laude 2, Anderson 0, Bulawan 0, Mendoza 0, Ragasa 0, Sorela 0.
Quarterscores: 28-18, 43-34, 61-50, 81-74/PN
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