CENTRO Escolar University outclassed Valencia City Bukidnon-SSCR, 71-65, and assumed the top spot in the Foundation Group in the 2019 PBA D-League Monday at Paco Arena in Manila.
Senegalese big man Malick Diouf tallied 21 points that went with his record-setting 30 rebound as the Scorpions racked up their fourth straight win in as many games. He laso had four blocks.
"He was controlling [the boards]," said coach Derrick Pumaren.
Jan Formento scored 16 points, Christian Uri had 13 and four assists, and Keanu Caballero chipped in 10 markers for CEU.
CEU opened a 19-5 lead but the Stag caught up in the second quarter and led by nine. The Scorpions took the half, 36-35.
Sponsored content:
CEU had a 69-59 lead with 4:20 remaining before Kenneth Villapando's three-point play the Stags within five with 2:41 left in the game. Valencia City-SSCR never got closer than that.
"Valencia, in their first three games, really started well so for today we wanted to start strong which we did," said Pumaren.
"But I'm not happy with our turnovers because they came back."
CEU committed 20 turnovers which led to 19 points for the opposition.
Bulanadi finished with 16 points on a dismal 6-of-22 shooting to lead Valencia-SSCR, which fell to 3-1.
Sponsored content:
Alvin Capobres added 13 points and 13 rebounds while JM Calma had 10.
The Scores:
CEU 71 -- Diouf 21, Formento 16, Uri 13, Ke. Caballero 10, Chan 6, Fuentes 3, Lisbo 2, Rojas 0, Diaz 0, Intic 0.
VALENCIA-SSCR 65 -- Bulanadi 16, Capobres 13, Calma 10, Sumoda 7, Desoyo 7, Ilagan 5, Villapando 3, Dela Cruz 2, Bonleon 2, Are 0, Calahat 0, Tero 0, Loristo 0, Quiambao 0.
Quarters: 22-13, 35-36, 56-51, 71-65.
