Scorpions survive Bombers; Falcons cruise past Titans

MANILA, Philippines — Rod Ebondo hit a jumper with 1.1 seconds left as Centro Escolar University slipped past Jose Rizal University, 77-75, to remain on top in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Pasig City Sports Center yesterday.

Ebondo executed the Scorpions’ last play to perfection, scoring against Kris Porter just in time to shatter a 75-all count and escape the surprisingly tough Heavy Bombers for a 5-1 slate.

Earlier, Akari-Adamson quashed AMA Online Education’s repeated rallies to carve out a 100-89 victory and wrest solo second at 5-2.

Jerrick Ahanmisi sizzled with 26 points on a 9-of-12 clip, including five markers down the stretch, as the Falcons finally thwarted the Titans.

Ebondo finished with a game-high 33 points on 13-for-26 shooting to go with 15 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals.

“The last play was really designed for Rod since he has a good shooting percentage,” said CEU coach Yong Garcia who sued for time in the last 15.3 and mapped out their last offensive play.

But Garcia rued his players’ complacency that enabled the lower-ranked Bombers to keep it close majority of the way.