Archers back in PBA D-League finals

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion EcoOil-La Salle punched a return ticket to the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup finals, pulling away early to complete a semifinal sweep of University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 108-91, yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Prince Ray Alao led the onslaught with 22 points, 12 in the first half, as the Green Archers ripped the game open on a 28-13 opening salvo en route to finishing off the Altas in straight games in the short best-of-three series.

JC Macalalag added 11 while Kevin Quiambao, EJ Gollena and Bright Nwankwo added 10 points apiece for La Salle, which followed up its similar domination in Game 1, 107-78.

CJ Austria and Ben Phillips had nine each, while Mike Phillips and Mark Nonoy added eight and seven, respectively, as the Green Archers hardly missed the continued absence of ace guard Evan Nelle due to a minor calf injury.

Later, Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda bounced back with a bang against rival Wangs Basketball @27 Strikers-Letran, 74-51, to force a deciding Game 3 in their own semifinal pairing.

Peter Alfaro dropped 20 points in only 25 minutes of action as the Red Lions avenged their 93-87 collapse from a 24-point lead in Game 1 for a huge momentum entering the rubber match tomorrow at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.