By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Centro Escolar University (CEU) made its title-retention campaign felt after it clobbered Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Sta. Mesa (PUP), 88-64, in the 29th NCRAA men’s basketball at the Paco Arena Monday, March 13.
The Scorpions imposed their will from start to finish, leading by as many as 32 points, 80-42, midway the fourth period to clinch their first victory of the season.
Meanwhile, Immaculada Concepcion College (ICC) demolished Lyceum of the Philippines University-Laguna (LPU), 86-63, for its second win.
Franz Diaz spearheaded CEU’s assault with 18 points on a 7-of-9 field goals, while Ron Tolentino also shone with 13 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
Dave Bernabe and Anthony Borromeo also provided ample support with 12 points apiece apart from combined eight boards.
The Scorpions waxed hot with a 23-14 start and erected their lead in double figures at the half, 47-34.
They whipped up a third-quarter storm with their leech-like defense, limiting PUP to only eight points while torching the basket by draining 26 points to pull away to a 73-42 advantage and never looked back.
CEU’s triumph overshadowed the efforts of TJ Apinan for PUP, who erupted with 30 points in a losing cause.
Ian Torres bannered ICC with 14 points, while Serafin Duarte, Jared Vento and Roger Ondoa contributed 11 points each.
Rodolfo Alota was the lone double-digit scorer for LPU with 12 points.
