CEU Guard Franz Diaz Leads Scorpions to PBA D-League Finals
Veteran guard Franz Diaz and the CEU Scorpions complete a semifinal upset of NCAA champion San Beda, spoiling the anticipated PBA D-League title showdown between the Red Lions and UAAP king La Salle Green Archers.
Key Highlights:
- CEU guard Franz Diaz shines in the semifinal upset against San Beda.
- CEU advances to the PBA D-League finals for the first time since 2019.
- Diaz leads the team with 21 points and 4 assists in a crucial victory.
CEU turned to its ever-reliable guard to complete an upset of NCAA champion San Beda and book a PBA D-League finals berth. Heady guard Franz Diaz took charge as the CEU Scorpions dismantled the Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda Red Lions, 78-56, in the winner-take-all Game 3 of the Aspirants’ Cup semifinals at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, Thursday night, May 2.
“If we need somebody to stabilize our group, Franz is always there for us,” said CEU head coach Jeff Perlas of Diaz as the Scorpions advanced to their first conference finals since 2019. “He is our no-brainer choice when we need someone [to rely on].”
Championship Showdown:
The win propelled the Scorpions to a best-of-three title duel against reigning UAAP and D-League champion De La Salle Green Archers. CEU will face off against La Salle in the finals series starting on Monday, May 6, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
“Now that we are in the finals, you can easily call us the gate-crashers,” said Perlas. “Many perhaps expected a San Beda versus La Salle [duel] in the finals, but luckily we gate-crashed it.”
Player Contributions:
- Franz Diaz led the team with 21 points and 4 assists.
- Abdul-Wahab Olusesi added 15 points and 28 rebounds.
- Daniel Marcelo chipped in 15 markers for the Scorpions.
CEU’s victory was a big morale-booster for the players and the entire CEU community. The Scorpions led by as many as 22 points, but had to ward off San Beda’s second-half rally. Diaz sealed CEU’s fate with a crucial layup and assist in the final minutes to secure the finals ticket.
“For me, it’s just doing everything I can for my team. No excuses always,” Diaz expressed, reflecting on his dedication to the game and the team.
The Scorpions last reached the finals in 2019, where they bowed to then-UAAP titlist Ateneo Blue Eagles. Diaz, along with teammate Jerome Santos, were still rookies during that finals stint, playing in the support cast of a squad then-bannered by UAAP champion Malick Diouf.
“I got emotional as I realized that,” said the 24-year-old Diaz. “It’s just about winning games for me, honestly. I just want to keep playing and improving in CEU as much as I can.”