MANILA – Centro Escolar University Scorpions clinched a playoffs spot in the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup after a 120-84 win over IWalk Chargers at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
Maodo Malick Diouf filled the stat sheets with 29 points, 21 rebounds, eight assists, five blocks, and two steals.
Rich Guinitaran added 21 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
The 4-0 Scorpions took control of the match early with Eric Tuadles and Joshua Abastillas anchoring a 9-0 scoring run to grab a 42-24 edge with 7:34 left in the second chapter and break the game wide open.
It would enjoy a lead as high as 39, 116-77 after a Diouf’s lay-up with 2:36 left to play.
“Ang objective namin is to win kasi iWalk is only 2-1. Pagnaka-tie namin ‘to baka mahirapan pa kami sa next round,” said Scorpions assistant coach Gabby Velasco, who called the shots in lieu of head coach Derrick Pumaren.
In the second game, Black Mamba Energy Drink escaped defeat from the hands of Italiano’s Homme, 80-75, to return to the win column.
John Tayongtong led the Energy Drink with 23 points, five rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
Leading 58-45 late in the third period, the Energy Drink saw its lead turned into a 73-72 deficit before Tayongtong came up with a three-pointer and three free throws to seal the win./PN
