Scorpions zero in on semis berth with coast-to-coast win vs Bedans
CENTRO Escolar University (CEU) withstood a late rally by Marinerong Pilipino-san Beda for a 72-63 victory on Tuesday and bolster its bid of finishing in the top two in the Philippine Basketball Association D-league Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Scorpions found their rhythm early and stayed in control throughout the match but needed to stave off a late rally by the Red Lions to secure their third win in four games.
“As I’ve said in my pre-game speech, what I wrote on the board aside from the technicalities and Xs and Os is ‘David and Goliath,” CEU coach Jeff Perlas said. “San Beda is a strong team and they’re the Goliaths in this game and we’re the Davids but nothing is impossible for us as long as we believe we have a David inside us.”
Abdul-wahab Olusesi tallied 16 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, Franz Ray Diaz had 15 and Jerome Santos had 12 for the Scorpions, who could advance outright to the semifinals with another win against also-ran Cci-yengskivel at the close of the elimination round on ursday.
Marinerong Pilipino San Beda battled back from a 20-point deficit and pulled within four with three minutes left in the fourth but blew their chance to turn the game with an erratic finish.
e loss snapped the Red Lion’s three-game win streak.
Marinerong Pilipino-san Beda is now hard pressed to beat Ecooil-la Salle (4-0) on Thursday to force a three-way tie with CEU and La Salle at first place.
e Green Archers have already secured its place in the semifinals on the strength of their 28-point victory over the Scorpions last April 2.
In the other game Tuesday, Go Torakku-st. Clare pulled away for a 118-84 victory over Cci-yengskivel to halt its three-game losing spell and earn a shot for twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
No team will be eliminated after the six-team, single round classification round. e top two teams will advance outright to the semis while the No. 3 and 4 teams will earn a twice-to-beat advantage over the No. 5 and 6 teams.