Reigning, five-time NAASCU champion Adalem Construction-St. Clare vented its ire on UCBL’s Centro Escolar University, taking a 96-76 rout, to enter the win column of the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, Tuesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Coming off a defeat at the hands of Wangs-Letran on opening day, the Saints did not let up in this one, going on a 32-point third quarter run to gain a 74-50 lead heading into the final frame.
“I just told the boys na like what we’re doing before sa NAASCU, we just have to play hard,” said coach Jinino Manansala, who made his return to the sidelines after recovering from dengue fever.
Reigning NAASCU MVP Johnsherick Estrada led the way with 19 points, five assists, four rebounds, and two steals.
In his D-League debut, Babacar Ndong grabbed 15 rebounds with six points while John Rojas added 15 points and seven boards.
Gelo Sablan added 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals as well.
Both squads are now 1-1 in the standings.
Franz Diaz got 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists for the Scorpions while Lenard Santiago had 14 points.
The Scores:
Adalem-St. Clare 96 – Estrada 19, Rojas 15, Sablan 13, Lopez 11, Gamboa 9, Sumagaysay 7, Ndong 6, Manacho 6, Estacio 4, Acosta 2, Tapenio 2, Decano 2, Victoriano 0, Balacaoc 0.
CEU 76 – Diaz 15, Santiago 14, Tolentino 12, Penano 9, Ancheta 9, Ferrer 7, Santos 3, Cabotaje 3, Borromeo 2, Bernabe 2, Reyes 0, Atienza 0.
Quarterscores: 26-18, 42-37, 74-52, 96-76.
