Ecooil-La Salle demolished AMA Online, 92-49, to secure an automatic semifinals seat in the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup, Tuesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Raven Cortez rose to the occasion with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Aaron Buensalida, Benjamin Phillips, and Ice Blanco backstopped him with 12, 11, and 10 markers, respectively.
Both teams gained free passages in the Final Four while awaiting the winners of the quarterfinals featuring Adalem Construction-St. Clare, Marinerong Pilipino, CEU and Builders Warehouse-UST.
“We wanted to be in the No. 2 spot, so naka-importante nito sa amin kasi we go to the semis right away,” said assistant coach Gabby Velasco, who spoke in lieu of chief tactician Derrick Pumaren.
With the semis berth within its reach, EcoOil-La Salle did not disappoint by breaking the game wide open early with a 19-6 start.
By the break, the Green Archers were miles away at 46-19 built on a suffocating defense. They led by as many as 44 points for the big win.
John Yambao was the only bright spot for AMA with 18 points.
AMA finished the tourney at the cellar with a 0-7 slate.
The Scores:
EcoOil-La Salle 92 – Cortez 21, Buensalida 12, B. Phillips 11, Blanco 10, Austria 9, Escandor 9, Nwankwo 6, Estacio 5, M. Phillips 5, Macalalag 4, Alao 3.
Sponsored content:
AMA Online 49 – Yambao 18, Baclig 6, Villamor 6, Ceniza 6, Pineda 3, Malones 3, Cruz 2, Reyes 2, Gonzales 2, Kapunan 1, Cruz 0, Fuentes 0, Camay 0.
Quarterscores: 19-6, 46-19, 75-37, 92-49.
