Scorpions complete big reversal, oust Flying V Thunder

Game Tuesday

4 p.m. – Cignal HD vs CEU

MANILA, Philippines - Centro Escolar University clawed back from 13 points down and stunned top seed Flying V, 72-67, to snatch the other finals berth in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig yesterday.

Joseph Manlangit, Patrick Aquino, JK Casiño and Rod Ebondo rallied the Scorpions in the decider to complete the reversal after trailing majority of the way. CEU, which also shocked Flying V in Game Two, to force a sudden death, thus became only the second fourth seed to move to the championship after Tanduay pulled off the feat in last year’s Foundation Cup.

“I just told them to stay focused and stick to our game plan. I’m very proud of my players that they gave their best,” said CEU coach Yong Garcia.

It was a disappointing ending to Flying V’s maiden campaign that saw the star-studded Thunder cruise to 11 straight wins, including a sweep of the elims, only to falter against the fired-up Scorpions in the finals.

Manlangit, Ebondo, Aquino and Casiño came up with big baskets in the stretch, lifting CEU to a 69-64 lead with 1:33 to play.

Ebondo then canned three charities in the final 28.4 seconds to secure the win as the Thunder misfired after threatening last at 67-69 on a triple by Eric Salamat. 

Manlangit also came up big for CEU as he scored six of his 11 points in the final quarter to help quell the Thunder rallies. He also had nine rebounds.