Defending champion Centro Escolar University stamped its class over neophyte Philippine Women's University, 74-45, to take an early lead in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League-PG Flex Linoleum Season 6 yesterday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

The Scorpions seized control of the contest behind a blistering second quarter performance that allowed them to establish a double-digit advantage that proved to be too much for the Patriots to overcome.

Franz Diaz once again led the assault for CEU with 14 points, 10 rebounds as the Scorpions outscored PWU 23-8 in the pivotal second quarter while Daniel Marcelo also had his share with 14 while first game hero Dylan Darbin added 10.

The Patriots tried to fight back but simply didn't have the legs to put up enough rally to threaten the Scorpions, who improved to a 2-0 record. PWU was playing its second straight game and coming off a tough 95-86 overtime loss to Guang Ming College in its UCAL debut last Monday.

Kurt Lactaotao proved to be the biggest thorn to the side of the Patriots, finishing with 18 points — none more crucial than his four straight points that sparked a telling 9-0 run to win it all for the Flying Dragons in the extra period.

Also getting a share of the early lead with CEU was Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas, which improved to a 2-0 slate following its 79-59 romp of Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas.