Rodrigue Ebondo had a double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds and Centro Escolar University (CEU) got the job done, dispatching Racal Motors, 88-77, on Tuesday to cement its place in the quarterfinals of the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.
Patrick Aquino and Orlan Wamar scored 12 points apiece while John Casino added 11 for the Scorpions, who finished the eliminations with a 6-4 record.
CEU could clinch a twice-to-beat advantage should Team Batangas lose to leader Flying V later Tuesday.
The two teams battled through eight leads changes and seven deadlocks before the Scorpions pulled away with a 20-11 blast in the final 7:38.
CEU Coach Yong Garcia said he was proud of what his players have accomplished.
“I’m very pleased. The players followed our game plan to the letter. Told them this is a nice experience to play under pressure and make the playoffs. I though they really did well on both end,” Garcia said.
For Alibaba, their stint in the season-ending conference, was frustrating campaign.
Rian Ayonayon tallied 12 points and Allan Mangahas chipped in 10 for Racal Motors, which turned from title contender last conference to also-ran. Racal Motors finished the eliminations with a 3-7 record.
Racal took a 54-53 lead on a Roider Cabrera’s jumper midway through the third quarter but CEU scored the next 10 points to take the lead for good.
A triple by Jamil Ortuoste pulled the Alibaba within 66-68 with under eight minutes left in the fourth. But that was the closes they could get as Wamar, Ebondo, Casino and Aaron Jeruta put together a 20-11 run to close out the game.