MANILA, Philippines — EcoOil-La Salle and Marinerong Pilipino moved on the verge of setting up a finals date after big wins over their counterparts in Game 1 of the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup best-of-three semifinals series yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The second-seeded Green Archers turned back Adalem Construction-St. Clare, 89-74, while the Skippers shocked No. 1 seed Apex Fuel-San Sebastian, 74-66 , for similar 1-0 leads in the race-to-two duel.
A win by both teams tomorrow would arrange a quick finale match-up between them starting on Wednesday.
After missing the elimination round, Schonny Winston dazzled in his D-League debut with 24 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals to banner La Salle’s 15-point victory.
National team standout Kevin Quiambao contributed 18 markers, six boards and four blocks while CJ Austria and Mark Nonoy threw in 15 apiece for the Green Archers’ scattered attack.
“We tightened up on defense,” said coach Derick Pumaren, whose wards leaned on a huge second-half surge highlighted by its biggest lead at 21 points in the last five minutes.
“I told the boys we must be able to contain St. Clare’s effort stats. When we were able to do that, we were able to take control of the game,” he added.
Juan Gomez de Liaño, meanwhile, flirted with a triple-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists to headline the huge victory of No. 4 Marinero over the top-seeded San Sebastian.
Arvin Gamboa (15), Jollo Go (14) and Adrian Nocum (12) were also instrumental for the Skippers, who now sport a handsome chance to book a D-League finals return trip after finishing second in the 2019 Foundation Cup.
“We’re happy sa mga players kasi na-execute namin ng maayos yung gameplan namin. Pero Game 1 pa lang ito. We’re hoping na maka-execute uli sa Game 2,” said coach Yong Garcia.
John Edcel Rojas (19) and Ichie Altamirano (12) top scored for St. Clare and San Sebastian, respectively.