NOT even a rain delay could stop Cignal-Ateneo from inching closer to the 2019 PBA D-League title.
The Blue Eagles delivered a huge second half to pounce on the undermanned Centro Escolar University, 67-52, in Game Three of the finals on Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Ange Kouame had 10 points, nine blocks, and seven rebounds as his defensive might set the tone for Cignal-Ateneo's breakaway in the third frame, turning a slim 32-27 halftime lead to a commanding 49-37 advantage.
Leaks from the venue's roof halted the game for 25 minutes at the 8:18 mark of the fourth quarter, then Blue Eagles went on to stage a 16-2 blast that made it a 26-point edge, 65-39, with 5:54 left on the clock.
Thirdy Ravena led the Blue Eagles with 12 points and eight rebounds, as Mike Nieto and Adrian Wong both had nine points.
Cignal-Ateneo can win the title in Game Four on Tuesday.
"We went a little bit away from our defensive system last game and we wanted to get that in today's game," said coach Sandy Arespacochaga, with the Blue Eagles limiting the Scorpions to a 26 percent shooting from the field.
Maodo Malick Diouf led CEU with 19 points and 20 rebounds.
The scores:
Cignal-Ateneo 67 - Ravena 12, Kouame 10, Mi. Nieto 9, Ma. Nieto 8, Andrade 5, Go 5, Daves 5, Navarro 4, Belangel 0, Tio 0, Credo 0, Mamuyac 0.
CEU 52 - Diouf 19, Bernabe 9, Guinitaran 8, Sunga 7, Santos 5, Diaz 4, Abastillas 0.
Quarterscores: 17-13; 32-27; 49-37; 67-52.
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