University of Batangas pummeled Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas, 92-80, while Centro Escolar Univeristy lived up to its hype with a convincing win over Olivarez College Thursday in the opening of the PG Flex Linoleum-Universities and Colleges Basketball League at the Olivarez College gym in Parañaque City.
The UB Brahmans dictated the tempo throughout, leading by as many as 21 points, 76-55, off a triple from spitfire Don Tabol early in the fourth period to post their first win of the season.
JJ Caspe showed the way UB by pumping in 27 points spiked by three triples, while collaring five rebounds and dishing off three assists and three steals.
Caspe said they worked doubly hard, knowing the importance of winning their first match.
“Mahalaga kasi sa amin na manalo ng first game kasi last two seasons talo kami,” said Caspe.
UB exploded behind the arc behind by unloading 10 treys including five from Tabol, who finished with 21 points.
The Derrick Pumaren-mentored CEU Scorpions were not to be left out as they bucked a slow start to overpower the Sea Lions, 89-69, thanks to EG Tuadles’ torrid shooting.
The 18-year-old Tuadles, who hails from Cebu, led the Scorpions with 23 points on a solid 6-of-8 shooting from the 3-point zone.
He was ably supported by Angel Paul Escalona and Franz Diaz as the Scorpions erased 20-14 deficit in the first quarter. Escalona added 17 while Diaz chipped in 11.
Raoul Yemeli also stepped up for the Brahmans with 16 points, 15 rebounds and three assists, while Melvin Ricaña added 15 points and nine boards.
The Brahmans were off to a hot start by taking the 29-18 first-quarter edge and protected that double-digit lead at the half by outscoring the PCU-D Dolphins, 18-16, for a 47-34 advantage.
The Dolphins pulled to within 12 in the last 1:49, 90-78, but it proved to be their last hurrah.
Lucien Mulamba scored 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Sandee Diez posted 14 points in a failed effort for PCU-D.
(Kristel Satumbaga)
