The Builders Warehouse–UST Growling Tigers and Marinerong Pilipino Skippers both earned 2-0 records in the ongoing PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup last Monday at the Paco Arena in Manila. UST scored a 106-93 win over the Diliman Blue Dragons while Marinerong Pilipino pulled off an 83-69 victory over the ADG Dong-Mapúa Cardinals.

Soulémane Chabi Yo tallied 24 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks for UST; while Dave Ando notched a double-double with 14 points and 11 boards; Rhenz Abando nailed three outside conversions to finish with 13 points; and Deo Cuajao finished with 11 markers.

Chabi Yo led UST with a 16-5 start to take a 37-18 lead. Their lead further expanded to as much as 30 points.

“He had to exert effort because, for the past games, di pa nakakalaro ng maayos si Chabi (Chabi Yo had put in some effort since he has not played well in this past games),” explained UST head coach Aldin Ayo. “We told him to play well, makakuha siya ng rhythm niya and he did (We told him to play well, he found his rhythm, and he did).”

Meanwhile, Jamie Malonzo debuted for Marinerong Pilipino with 23 points, 11 rebounds, six steals, four assists, and a block; Juan Gomez de Liano scored 18 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists; while Alfred Batino added 14 points and seven boards./ASC, WDJ