By Adrian Stewart Co

CEU Scorpions needed a huge fourth quarter spurt in their 93-76 win over the Marinerong Pilipino Skippers yesterday in the 2019 PBA D-League at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.

Holding to a slim 58-57 lead after three quarters, the Scorpions started strong in the fourth frame on hits by Maodo Malick Diouf and John Lisbo, along with a triple by Judel Fuentes, resulting in a 67-58 lead.

The Skippers came to within single digits but the Scorpions pulled away for good off outside hits from Pierce Chan and inside drives by Keanu Caballero and Diouf.

Diouf finished the game with a double-double with 22 points and 19 rebounds; while Caballero added 17, Fuentes – 14, and Chan – 12.

The win kept the Scorpions on top of the Foundation Group with an unblemished 6-0 record.

“We just [have] to be ready for every situation,” said Scorpions head coach Derrick Pumaren. “Marinero [were] able to catch up and [take] the lead, but we were able to regroup, kept our poise, and played defense.”/ASC, WDJ