NEW-LOOK Centro Escolar University hit the ground running with a 94-78 decimation of Che’Lu Bar and Grill for its first win in the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Pierce Chan steered the Scorpions with 21 points and seven rebounds as they embark on a new chapter with coach Derrick Pumaren calling the shots.
“We’re running the same system. We just want to put a little more twist,” said the veteran bench tactician. “I had them for two days lang kasi unexpected resignation ni coach Yong (Garcia). But I’m proud with the boys with how they played today.”
Orlan Wamar added 19 points, five assists, and three boards off the bench, while John Edsel Rojas also got 12 points and five rebounds in the win.
Cameroonian big man Gilles Oloume also had a double-double of 12 points and 13 boards in his debut.
CEU used a killer 26-point third quarter to break away, 67-52, and extend the lead to as high as 23, 84-61 off a Keanu Caballero lay-up in the fourth frame.
Jeff Viernes paced the Revellers with 18 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while Chris Bitoon got 17 and five.
The scores:
CEU 94 — Chan 21, Wamar 19, Oloume 12, Rojas 12, Ko. Caballero 9, Ke. Caballero 8, Formento 7, Guinitaran 3, Intic 3, Uri 0.
CHE’LU BAR AND GRILL 78 — Viernes 18, Bitoon 17, Melano 11, Collado 8, Mallari 8, Taganas 8, Siruma 4, Ochea 2, Sta. Ana 2, Flores 0, Lao 0, Ng 0.
Quarters: 21-16, 41-36, 67-52, 94-78.