Centro Escolar University launches its title bid when it battles opening day winner Asia’s Lashes Tomas Morato on Thursday in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Scorpions are hoping to start their campaign on the right track in the 5:30 p.m. after surprising everyone last conference by settling for a runner-up finish despite being reduced to eight players due to game-fixing allegations.
CEU coach Derrick Pumaren is banking on Senegalese center Maodu Malick Diouf and Rich Guinitaran to carry to team this conference.
Franz Diaz, Kurt Russel Sunga, Jerome Santos, Josua Abastillas and Dave Bernabe return for the Scorpions while adding Angelo Paul Escalona, Eric Gabrielle Tuadles and Bling Sanexes Murillo.
Asia’s Lashes is eyeing its second win after defeating AMA Online Education, 106-105, at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Former Arellano star Adrian Celada, James Martinez and Levi dela Cruz lead the attack for Asia’s Lashes.
BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare also shoots for a second victory in its 3:30 p.m. meeting with Hyperwash. The Saints pummeled the Alberei Kings, 114-83, also last Thursday behind Chris Dumapig, Jhaps Bautista and Mohammad Pare. AMA takes on newcomer iWalk in the 1:30 p.m. curtainraiser.(Jonas Terrado)
