Dominant Ebondo tows CEU past Batangas

Rod Ebondo powered the CEU Scorpions past Batangas.
Photo courtesy of PBA Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines – Behind another dominant performance from Rod Ebondo, Centro Escolar University (CEU) notched an impressive victory in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup, edging Team Batangas, 72-70, on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Congolese center took charge inside the paint, and saved his biggest plays for the final minute. His putback with 18.1 seconds left put the Scorpions ahead, 71-70, then blocked Joseph Sedurifa's attempt to snatch the lead back for Batangas.

"Wala na akong masabi kay Rod," said CEU coach Yong Garcia, who earned his first win in the D-League. "Talagang all-out siya para sa amin."

Ebondo finished with a monster double-double of 26 points and 22 blocks on top of six blocks, as CEU improved to 1-2.

Christian Uri contributed 10 points, Orlan Wamar had nine points and five boards, while Art Aquino finished with eight points and five rebounds to aid Ebondo.

The Scorpions squandered an early 58-50 advantage in the fourth quarter, with Cedrick Ablaza and Jessie Saitanan leading Batangas' late rally. They took a 70-68 edge late, before Ebondo took over for CEU.

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