MANILA, Philippines – Congolese center Rod Ebondo fired 31 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead Centro Escolar University (CEU) past Marinerong Pilipino, 104-93, in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup on Monday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Scorpions also found their range from beyond the arc as they knocked down 12 of 30 three-point attempts.

Judel Fuentes accounted for three of those three-pointers and finished with 20 points. He had five points in the final 1:22 of the game, helping CEU deny the Skippers' final rally.

Joseph Manlangit contributed 19 points, eight of which came in the fourth quarter, along with seven rebounds. Orland Wamar had 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists.

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The Scorpions established control early, and even led by 19 points, 62-43, in the second half.

But Marinerong Pilipino crawled back and managed to tie the game at 75 in the third frame off an Achie Iñigo lay-up.

CEU responded with eight straight points to finish the third quarter, however, and they cruised from that point on.

"We had a good first half, but in the third quarter, nag-relax kami. I’m just glad na sinunod namin yung gameplan at naka-recover kami," coach Yong Garcia said after the game. "It’s all credit to the players. Binigay nila yung best nila."

Rian Ayonayon saw his 24 points, eight rebounds, and two assists performance go down the drain as Marinerong Pilipino incurred its second straight defeat.

Renzo Subido and Billy Robles both had 17 in the loss.

The scores:

CEU 104 — Ebondo 31, Fuentes 20, Manlangit 19, Wamar 11, Arim 9, Guinitaran 8, Cruz 4, Aquino 2, Caballero 0, Intic 0, Saber 0, Veron 0.

MARINERONG PILIPINO 93 — Ayonayon 24, Subido 17, Robles 17, Toth 10, Tratter 6, Iñigo 6, Paredes 6, Banal 5, Pasaol 2, Babilonia 0, Lopez 0, Terso 0.

Quarters: 20-21, 55-41, 83-75, 104-93.

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