TIP, Centro off to fiery starts in NCBL

MANILA, Philippines - Technological Institute of the Philippines and Centro Escolar University posted rousing victories at the start of the National Collegiate Basketball League (NCBL) Foundation Cup at the TIP Gym last week.

The Engineers needed a big fourth quarter spurt to drub Don Bosco Technological College, 85-66, while the Scorpions waylaid Trinity University of Asia.

Francis Sean Paulo paced TIP with 15 points, while Jeffrey Yanes added 14 markers.

Engineers’ center Carlo Gomez also played big with a double-double performance of 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Jemuel Namucatcat contributed 11 points and four assists.

“Fortunately for us, everything fell into place in fourth quarter after we played flat in the first three quarters,” said TIP coach Potit de Vera.

The Engineers erased the Grey Wolves’ two-point lead at the end of the third period with Gomez, Paulo and Namucatcat delivering the killer blows in the last 10 minutes of play.

Jonathan Tabolog led Don Bosco with 20 points while Jonty Cruz added 14 markers.

Mark Parale had 19 points, four assists and two steals while Jayson Opiso had 14 markers for CEU.

Robin Cruz and Roldan Pinas combined for 28 points while Nicole Bolos chipped in 12 points and five boards.

Action resumes today with the Engineers clash with the Stallions at 12 noon, right after the Grey Wolves host the Scorpions at 10 a.m. at the DBTC Gym in Makati City.