By Jonas Terrado

Games Thursday

(JCSGO Gym, Cubao)

1:30 p.m. — CEU vs iWalk

3:30 p.m. — Italiano’s vs Black Mamba

Unbeaten Centro Escolar University looks to formalize its entry in the quarterfinals against iWalk in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup Thursday at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.

CEU’s Maodo Malick Diouf, right, goes for a layup against AMA’s Andre Paras during their recent PBA D-League match. (PBA Images)

The Scorpions go for their fourth straight and tie idle Marinerong Pilipino for a share of the lead in Group A in the 1:30 p.m. match with the streaking Chargers.

CEU is coming off an 86-77 win over AMA Online Education last Aug. 15 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City but not after almost squandering a 17-point lead in the third.

Coach Derrick Pumaren is hoping to avoid a similar scenario against an iWalk squad that has won two straight after losing its opening assignment.

Maodo Malick Diouf and Rich Guinitiran lead the charge anew for the Scorpions with Jerome Santos, Dave Bernabe and Franz Diaz expected to play key roles.

iWalk, coached by former PBA player Jonas Villanueva, will lean on Wowie Escosio as it tries to build on wins over Hazchem and Nailtalk-St. Dominic Savio.

Meanwhile, Italiano’s Homme and Black Mamba Energy Drink collide in a game that has playoff implications in the second game at 1:30 p.m.

Italiano’s and Black Mamba are tied for fourth place at 1-1, with the winner keeping an inside track at the quarterfinals berth given to the top four teams in Group B.

Both teams lost their previous assignments against Technological Institute of the Philippines.

Italiano’s fell 133-98 to the Engineers last Aug. 8 while Black Mamba suffered a 110-99 setback six days later.

Tags: Black Mamba , CEU Scorpions , Italiano's Homme , iWalk Chargers , PBA D-League Foundation Cup