MANILA, Philippines — Derick Pumaren and his Centro Escolar University team are making their mark in the NCRAA.
Just recently, the Scorpions flashed their deadly form anchored on the talented Rich Guinitaran, in holding off the De Ocampo Memorial College Cobras, 78-70, in the NCRAA men’s basketball tournament held recently at the A.R. Hall of PATTS College of Aeronautics.
Guinitaran nearly singlehandedly outscored the entire Cobras’ squad in the first half as he poured in 24 of his total 29 points.
Behind his hot shooting, the Scorpions were able to take control in the early goings on their way to posting a 46-27 lead at the half.
But the Cobras turned to Jhonard Clarito, the hardworking forward now playing for the San Juan Knights in the MPBL.
A member of the team that led the squad all the way to the championship round, Clarito ended up with a double-double performance of 17 points and 16 rebounds, but his all-around effort and the lack of support from his teammates, proved to be a big blow for De Ocampo, which ran out of time in completing a come-from-behind win.
While Guinitaran was hot in the early going, Tryon Chan and rookie Joshua Abastillas picked up where he left off in the second half for CEU.
Chan finished with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists while helping the Scorpions to their second straight win.
Defending champion Olivarez shut down Pamantasan ng Muntinlupa in the last six minutes for a hard-earned 71-68 win.
Trailing 68-59, the Sea Lions worked on their defense double time and unloading a telling 12-0 run kicked off by Kim Siegue’s triple in the 5:33 mark triggered the team’s win – its third in as many games.