CEU, MP vie for top spot

Scorpions coach Derrick Pumaren remains cautious of the Skippers. #PBADLeague

Skippers gunner Eliud Poligrates scores on a drive in the game against IWalk. (PBADL)

Centro Escolar University takes on Marinerong Pilipino to determine who will take the top spot in the quarterfinals of the Philippine Basketball Association D-League Foundation Cup Monday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Game time is at 3:30 p.m. with both the Scorpions and the Skippers already enjoying a twice-to-beat edge in the next round, but still needs a win to grab the number one spot in Group A.

Meanwhile, the BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Claire looks to sweep the eliminations and establish dominance in Group B when it faces Italiano’s Homme in the first game at 1:30 p.m. while Black Mamba Energy Drink clashes with McDavid-La Salle Araneta at 5:30 p.m.

The Scorpions are definitely a team to beat.

Handled by seasoned coach Derrick Pumaren, the Scorpions displayed their dominance, crushing Hazchem Green Warriors by 50 points, 126-76, last week.

They led the whole game and did not show signs of slowing down despite posting a massive margin in the early stretch.

When the smoke cleared, seven players barged in double figures with Senegalese big man Malick Diouf emerging with 19 points, 21 rebounds and seven blocks while Dave Bernabe churned 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals and Kyle Sunga chipping in 17 points, five assists and four rebounds.

Still, Derrick Pumaren remains cautious of the Skippers.

“We have to be ready for Marinerong Pilipino. They are a veteran team and (Eliud) Poligrates has been playing very well after finishing with 67 points in their last game,” said Pumaren, whose coaching resume includes titles in the Philippine Basketball Association.

“We have to make sure that they will not be able to establish their experience against us.”

Pumaren’s observation was spot on as the Skippers are coming off a big 141-97 win over iWalk, a historic win as it was considered as the fourth biggest offensive output by a winning team in a single game.

Poligrates erupted with 67 points while JR Alabanza and Rev Diputado added 11 markers apiece.