Scorpions return with full roster vs Asia’s Lashes

MANILA, Philippines — Centro Escolar University begins its redemption tour when it tests the mettle of Asia’s Lashes to headline a heavy three-game bill today in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Scorpions battle Asia’s Lashes in the 5:30 p.m. main game, hoping for a triumphant start in a bid to match or surpass its runner-up finish behind Cignal Ateneo last conference.

In the 1:30 p.m. curtain-raiser, ex-PBA guard Jonas Villanueva opens a new chapter in his life as head coach of debuting iWalk which will take AMA Online Education.

BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare and another league newcomer Hyperwash collide at 3:30 p.m.

After defying the odds last conference with just eight players bannered by top local Rich Guinitaran and Senegalese center Maodo Malick Diouf, CEU parades a complete roster that hopes to achieve more than just a Cinderella run.

The Scorpions lost half of their players in the quarterfinals last tournament due to game-fixing allegations but still made it all the way to the finale only to fall short against Ateneo, 1-3.

“We are ready to put the past conference behind us and start anew this Foundation Cup,” said CEU mentor Derrick Pumaren. 

Guinitaran and Diouf along with mainstays Franz Ray Diaz, Kurt Sunga, Jerome Santos, Josua Abastillas and Dave Bernabe will get help from newcomers Eric Gabrielle Tuadles, Bling Sanexes Murillo and Angelo Paul Escalano.