MANILA, Philippines — Judel Fuentes hit a triple with 2.9 seconds left as Centro Escolar U bucked the absence of Rod Ebondo to edge Wangs-Basketball Letran, 79-75, yesterday and zero in on the first outright semifinal berth in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
Keanu Caballero set up Fuentes for that clutch triple that shattered the 75-all count with the former sealing the victory with a split after Wang’s Bong Quinto fumbled on an inbound play in their make-or-break bid.
CEU actually blew a huge 17-point second quarter lead but regrouped down the stretch to thwart the Couriers and wrest the solo lead at 8-2.
The victory also put the Scorpions back on track after absorbing a numbing 83-100 loss to the Gamboa Coffee Mix-St. Clare the last time out despite playing without Congolese center Ebondo, who is nursing a lower back pain.
“I just told Keanu, you have to create. When you drive, look for the open man. Right timing that Judel was open and he was able to make the shot,” said CEU coach Yong Garcia.
Orlan Wamar fired eight triples, the last forcing a 75-all count for the Scorpions with 1:27 remaining, and finished with 26 points while Oliver Arim and Veron contributed 13 markers apiece.
“I challenged my players to offer the game to Rod and to the team. Before, it’s all about Rod. It’s their time to step up and shine. I’m happy because they gave their best,” added Garcia.