By ADRIAN STEWART CO
EcoOil-La Salle Green Archers drew strength from Kevin Quiambao as they scored an 89-74 rout of Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda University Red Lions in Game 2 of the finals to capture the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup crown at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Monday, June 26.
Quiambao, who was named as the Conference Most Valuable Player, tallied double-double 26 points and 10 rebounds alongside two assists and one steal as the Green Archers finished off the Red Lions in two games.
Evan Nelle had an all-around showing of 16 markers, seven dimes, five boards, six steals, and one block, while Negrense Mark Nonoy and Michael Phillips ended with 14 and 12 markers, respectively, for the Green Archers.
The Green Archers completed their back-to-back PBA D-League conquest despite the injury exits of captain Joaqui Manuel and Nelle, who managed to return sparingly in the fourth period.
EcoOil-La Salle showed its determination to finish off the Red Lions in the first quarter as it opened a 27-20 lead before spreading it to 11 points early in the second quarter.
However, the Red Lions responded with a 12-4 scoring blast highlighted by JV Gallego’s nine-point outburst as they cut the deficit to 42-43 heading into the break.
The Green Archers regained their offense in the third quarter with Quiambao dropping eight points, while Nonoy and Phillips also making their inside hits as they established a 70-58 advantage.
The Gian Nazario-handled De La Salle University continued in the final quarter with Quiambao converting a three-pointer followed by a dunk by Phillips and a layup by Nelle as the lead grew to 80-64.
Yukien Andrada tallied 15 points off the bench to lead the Red Lions’ offense, while Damie Cuntapay and James Payosing each contributed 12 markers in the loss.
ECOOIL-LA SALLE 89 — Quiambao 26, Nelle 16, Nonoy 14, M. Phillips 12, Escandor 6, Austria 6, Gollena 4, David 4, B. Phillips 1, Nwankwo 0, Manuel 0, Cortez 0.
MARINERONG PILIPINO-SAN BEDA 74 — Andrada 15, Payosing 12, Cuntapay 12, Gallego 9, Cortez 8, Alfaro 8, Puno 4, Royo 2, Tagle 2, Visser 2, Jopia 0, Alloso 0.
Quarterscores: 27-20, 43-42, 70-58, 89-74./ASC, WDJ