La Salle nears title repeat

EcoOil-La Salle used two crippling runs in the first half to pull away for a 108-82 victory over Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda in Game 1 of the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup best-of-three titular series on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The defending champion Green Archers practically dominated the match with efficient defense, strong rebounding and excellent shooting to move on the threshold of a title repeat.

EcoOil-La Salle can wrap up the best-of-three series with another win on Monday at the same venue.

Mark Nonoy warmed up early, going 5-of-8 from the field for 14 points in the first half and Vincent David knocked two three-point shots that led to a 13-0 breakaway and put the defending champs in control.

Up by 10 after the first quarter, EcoOil-La Salle opened the second period by scoring 10 unanswered points with Nonoy and CJ Austria at the firing end to stretched the lead to 38-18.

'I wasn't able to go home but it's okay. It's part of the sacrifice.'

Nonoy's trey late in the second quarter gave EcoOil-La Salle its biggest advantage at 59-27.

The Red Lions never recovered after that.

"I wasn't able to go home but it's okay. It's part of the sacrifice. I used that as a motivation. I dedicated this win to my son," said Nonoy, who failed to attend his son's first birthday and christening in Negros Occidental on Thursday.

Michael Phillips led La Salle with 19 points, Nonoy finished with 16, Austria chipped in 13 and Kevin Quiambao 12.

The Green Archers shot 20-of-38 in the first half while the Red Lions struggled on 12-of-35 shooting. EcoOil La Salle also enjoyed a 21-12 advantage on turnover points and 23-2 edge on fast break points.

Jacob Cortez tallied 18 points, Cuntapay had 16 and James Payosing scored 13 for the Red Lions, who will attempt to level the series on Monday.

Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda took its only lead at 6-5 on a three-point shot by Damie Cuntapay at the 7:56 mark of the first quarter.

The 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.