Centro Escolar University got off to a fiery start and demolished Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas, 82-57, in the PG Flex Linoleum-Universities and Colleges Basketball League yesterday at the Olivarez College gym in Parañaque City.
The Scorpions surged to a commanding 33-7 lead in the first 10 minutes of play as Maodo Diouf imposed his will inside and the title favorites improved their record to 4-2 in the eight-team tournament.
The Senegalese center erupted for 25 points and hauled 14 rebounds while making three steals and two blocks in another solid performance.
Angel Paul Escalona also stepped up for CEU with 14 points, five assists and four steals, while Van Cleef Tagal chipped in 13 points and five boards.
The Scorpions made several easy baskets as they outrebounded the Dolphins, 53-39 while draining 46 points in the paint. They also got 35 points off PCU-D’s 28 turnovers.
The Dolphins skidded to their third straight loss for a 1-5 record despite the efforts of Lucien Mulamba, Laurents Paluoja and Kenneth Cristobal.
Mulamba finished with 13 points and nine rebounds, Palouja had 10 points, six rebounds, six assists and four steals, and Cristobal chipped in 11 points and six boards to no avail.
PCU-D outscored CEU, 15-13, in the second period but the Scorpions made early run in the third to finally take the sting out of the Dolphins.
Meantime, the Olivarez Sea Lions used a big second quarter performance to beat the Engineers, 81-72, to finish the round with a 5-2 mark.
The No. 1 team, along with third, fifth and seventh placers after the first round play another single round – same thing for No. 2, 4, 6 and 8 teams – to determine the semifinalist.
All teams will carry their win-loss records into the next phase of the elims with the top two teams advancing to the semis.