Centro Escolar University took care of business, beating CCI-Yengskivel, 96-78, in the 2024 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup on Tuesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The victory coupled by EcoOil-La Salle's 82-71triumph over Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda in the nightcap earned for the Scorpions an outright passage into the Final Four. They are joined by the top-seed and two-time defending champion Green Archers, who swept all their five games.
The Scorpions finished the classification round with a 4-1 record. The Red Lions wound up third with a 3-2 card and was relegated to the quarterfinals but enjoys a twice-to-beat advantage.
"So now may konti kaming time to prepare for the big battle ahead. Basta kami, gagawin lang namin ang kailangan naming gawin," said CEU coach Jeff Perlas.
Abdul-Wahab Olusesi poured 20 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and had four blocks to lead CEU's cause.
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The Scorpions were holding on to a 62-56 lead midway through the third when they went on a 19-8 run to extend the margin to 81-64.
Cerwin Laran, Julius Valderama and Kenjie Buenaflor tallied 19, 13 and 11 points, respectively, for CCI-Yengskivel which finish with at 1-4 record to wind up as No. 5 seed and will face the fourth-seeded Go Torakku-St. Clare (2-3). In the quarterfinals. (JBU)
The Scores:
CEU 96 - Olusesi 20, Santos 12, Bernabe 11, Marcelo 9, Puray 7, Darbin 6, Gamboa 6, De Guzman 5, Malicana 5, Serrano 5, Guevarra 4, Diaz 2, Benitez 2, Mendoza 2.
CCI-Yengskivel 78 - Laran 19, Valderama 13, Buenaflor 11, Nuarin 9, Esguerra 8, Jawili 7, Dever 5, Guray 3, Galvez 2, Talagtag 1, Palma 0, Puzon 0.
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Quarterscores: 26-18, 53-46, 81-64, 96-78.
