Centro Escolar University caught a big fish in Wangs Basketball @26-Letran, scoring an 81-75 shocker to boost its playoff hopes ion the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Franz Diaz led CEU with 22 points highlighted by three triples and two game-sealing free throws to help complete the upset. He also had seven rebounds and two steals to help push his side to an even 3-3 record.
“Malaking bagay talaga itong panalo. In-expect namin talaga tambakan kami pero we adjusted at yung players ayaw patalo,” said coach Chico Manabat.
Jerome Santos also did his share for the Scorpions with his 14 points, four assists, and three boards, while Nigerian big man Victor Balogun was a rock down low with his 13 points, five rebounds, three blocks, and two steals.
Defense was on-point for CEU, keeping Wangs-Letran scoreless from the 1:19 mark of the third frame as it raced to a 72-56 lead with 4:02 left on the clock.
The Knights tried to mount a late rally with Kurt Reyson making it a four-point game, 79-75, with 19.4 seconds remaining, but Diaz canned the crucial freebies in the end game to stave off the rally.
Brent Paraiso powered Wangs-Letran with 20 points on 5-of-11 shooting from deep, on top of seven rebounds, three assists, and three blocks but his side slid to 3-2 after this second straight loss.
