Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda dominated CCI-Yengskivel, 126-76, seizing a share of the lead in the 2024 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
From the outset, the Red Lions pulled ahead and secured their third consecutive victory, maintaining their undefeated streak and keeping pace with defending champion EcoOil-La Salle atop the standings in the middle of the six-team tournament.
Every player on the Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda roster contributed at least two points to the team’s impressive scoreline.
Bryan Sajonia led the charge with 31 points, shooting 8-of-10 from beyond the arc and collecting eight rebounds. Inigo Torres added 16 points off the bench, while James Payosing, the NCAA Season 99 Finals MVP, and John Lopez contributed 14 and 10 points, respectively.
Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda showcased their offensive prowess, making 13-of-21 field goal attempts, including 8-of-11 from three-point range, establishing a commanding 38-13 lead after the first quarter. Meanwhile, they stifled CCI-Yengskivel’s offense, limiting them to a mere 3-of-16 shooting while dominating the boards 16-6 and boasting a 13-4 advantage in assists.
Despite CCI-Yengskivel’s efforts, shooting at a mere 29% and committing 23 turnovers, they couldn’t overcome the dominance of Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda.
Victor Nuarin and Angelo Jawili led the Crusaders’ scoring efforts with 13 points each, but it wasn’t enough as they fell to a 1-2 record.
In the second game, ABDUL-Wahab Olusesi’s stellar performance propelled Centro Escolar University to a resounding 126-91 victory over Keanzel Basketball, with contributions from Jerome Santos (19 points), Christian Treb Malian (16 points), and Daniel Marcelo (14 points).
CEU bounced back from an earlier defeat against two-time defending champion EcoOil-La Salle with a dominant display on the court.
The Scores:
First Game:
Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda 126 – Sajonia 31, Torres 16, Payosing 14, Lopez 10, Calimag 8, Jamora 7, Tagala 7, Andarad 6, Celso 6, Royo 5, Peregrina 4, Songcuya 4, Puno 3, Tagle 2, Gonzales 3.
CCI-Yengskivel 76 – Nuarin 13, Jawili 13, Esguerra 8, Valderama 8, Tener 6, Laran 5, Galvez 5, Guray 5, Dever 5, Amansec 4, Verdadero 4, Luciano 0, Talagtag 0.
Quarterscores: 38-13, 62-28, 91-51, 126-76.
Second Game:
CEU 126 – Olusesi 31, Santos 19, Malicana 16, Marcelo 14, Serrano 9, Gamboa 8, Guevarra 8, Darbin 8, Puray 7, Benitez 4, Bernabe 2, Mendoza 0.
Keanzel 91 – Gayosa 16, Wong 15, Ceniza 14, Camay 10, Maurillo 10, Villaflor 7, Baclig 6, Alota 5, Alina 5, Cruz R. 3, Villamor 0, Advincula 0, Panlilio 0, Cruz K. 0.
Quarterscores: 23-24, 52-48, 89-64, 126-91.