Scorpions find lifeline in doing ‘little things’

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The small things mattered for Centro Escolar University (CEU), which emerged victorious against PSP Gymers, 109-107, after a tight double overtime battle at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday.

“[I] told them before the game that their simple contributions matter, regardless if it’s a pass or boxing out. Those little things will add up, so maybe that’s why we got this victory,” Scorpions coach Jeffrey Perlas said.

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The Scorpions’ Franz Diaz led his team with 21 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Diaz fueled CEU’s first-half play, dropping 16 points before the half.

“We had to make adjustments like closing out on their shooters … sometimes the Xs and Os don’t matter in close games like this. It’s more of a battle of the heart,” Perlas, who credited the win to his team’s relentless play, said.

Ron Tolentino found his rhythm in the second half, finishing with a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Tolentino was instrumental to the Scorpions’ third victory in five games with his game-tying layup and a free throw with 6.6 remaining in regulation before hitting back-to-back threes with less than a minute left, 98-93.

“It’s a matter of stepping up. We always tell our players to be ready. If your number is called, you have to deliver,” Perlas said.

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