Defending champion EcoOil-La Salle and Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda pulled away to victories over their respective rival in the 2024 Philippine Basketball Association D-League Aspirant's Cup late Monday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

EcoOil-La Salle cruised past Go Torakku-St. Clare, 90-63, while Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda blasted Kennel Basketball, 109-59, to stay tied for the lead with 2-0 record.

Jonnel Policarpio showed the way for the Green Archers with 17 points and nine rebounds.

EcoOil-La Salle also got solid production from CJ Austria (15 points), Mike Phillips (12 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, two steals) Henry Agunane (12 points).

The two-time champion Green Archers used a 19-3 run midway in the first quarter to turn a one-point deficit into a 26-11 advantage at the end of the first. They never trailed after that, leading by as much as 30 points.

John Rojas and Ryan Sual scored 14 points apiece for Go Torakku-St. Clare, which absorbed its second straight loss.

In the first game, Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda battered neophyte Keanzel Basketball, 109-59, for its second lopsided win.

James Payosing played just 13 minutes and finished with a game-high 18 points, including 11 in the first quarter to set the tone of the Red Lions' breakaway.

Richi Calimag scored 14 points that went with his five rebounds and four assists while fellow second stringers Bryan Sajonia, and Celzo had 12 apiece.

The Red Lions were all business from the get go.

They held Keanzel Basketball to a woeful 5-of-16 shooting from the field in the first quarter for a 28-16 lead. They increased the lead to 62-39 at halftime and coasted the rest of the way.