La Salle exacts revenge on San Beda, draws first blood in PBA D-League finals

EcoOil-La Salle moved one win away from defending its title as it fended off Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda University, 108-82, to draw first blood in the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Green Archers waxed hot right from the get-go, unleashing 31 huge points in the second quarter alone to take a 59-33 halftime lead. Prior to that, a Mark Nonoy trey sent La Salle to its biggest lead of 32 late in the second period, 59-27.

The Red Lions, though, staged an uprising in the third frame with James Payosing sinking a free throw to help cut their deficit to just 14, 68-54, before La Salle headed to the fourth with a 77-61 cushion.

Budding guard Jacob Cortez and big man Damie Cuntapay tried to pump life to the Mendiola crew with the latter drilling two big three-pointers that made it an 88-73 affair.

However, La Salle didn’t allow San Beda to create any momentum as Mike Phillips put the punctuation with a slam, 100-79.

Phillips led La Salle with 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals while Mark Nonoy and Kevin Quiambao chipped in 16 and 12 markers apiece.

“Motivated ‘yung players namin kasi alam nila na nage-expect ang school ng championship yesterday and hindi namin nabigay. They’re just motivated to get it here in the D-League,” said assistant coach Gian Nazario, pertaining to their Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup finals loss to UP on Wednesday.

(“The players were motivated because the school was expecting to get the [Filoil] championship yesterday and we were not able to give it. They’re just motivated to get it here in the D-League.”)

The win was a revenge for the Green Archers, whose only loss in the elimination round came at the hands of San Beda. They will now look to sweep the series come Monday, June 26, for Game 2 at the same venue.

Scores:

EcoOil-La Salle 108 – Phillips M. 19, Nonoy 16, Austria 13, Quiambao 12, Gollena 9, David 9, Nelle 7, Abadam 7, Alao 5, Nwanwko 4, Cortez 4, Phillips B. 3, Manuel 0, Escandor 0.

Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda 82 – Cortez 18, Cuntapay 16, Payosing 13, Royo 13, Andrada 8, Alfaro 6, Visser 4, Jopia 3, Tagala 1, Puno 0, Alloso 0, Jalbuena 0.

Quarters: 28-18, 59-33, 77-61, 108-82.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News