ASSISTANT coach Gian Nazario of defending champion EcoOil-La Salle played coy on his charges’ opening match but the Green Archers flexed their might yesterday, proving they are indeed one of the teams to beat.
Boosted by a fiery start and a sustained charge, EcoOil-La Salle manhandled Centro Escolar University 84-62 to launch its title bid on a high in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Kevin Quiambao showed the way for the Archers with 21 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, while Evan Nelle ran the show with aplomb with three markers, 14 assists, seven rebounds and three steals.
Francis Escandor and Mark Nonoy also combined for 21 points for EcoOil-La Salle.
“Actually, hindi namin iniisip na it has to be that way na parang we’re defending the championship,” Nazario, who spoke in lieu of coach Topex Robinson who is in the United States, said. “We’re trying to build something here, a different culture. Siyempre, marami pang adjustments but we’re glad that we’re able to play here para ma-address naming iyong kailangan,” he added.
Earlier, newcomer Philippine Sports Performance nipped Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda University 94-92 in the match that kicked off the tourney’s new conference.
Ian Yutuc boomed in a clutch three-pointer in the last 32 seconds that capped the Gymers’ vicious 19-8 blitz that completed their fightback from a 74-84 hole midway through the fourth quarter.
Jayvee Dela Cruz fired 26 points spiked by seven triples, grabbed five rebounds, and issued six assists for PSP, while Dariel Bayla added 17 markers.
Yutuc and former pro Val Acuña also had 16 and 15 points, respectively for the Gymers.
“Sobrang saya kasi galing kami ng PSL (Pilipinas Super League) and we had a bad record there,” PSP tactician John Paolo Lao said.
“Kabubuo pa lang ng team at nagbi-build pa lang kami ng chemistry and good thing, panalo sa first game. Team effort lang talaga.”
The Taft-based five came out with guns blazing and built a 49-24 spread at the halfway mark.
A Raven Cortez layup gave the Archers their biggest difference 84-56 with 2:19 left.
Jerome Santos paced the Scorpions with 15 points and six, while Victor Balogun and Ron Rei Tolentino contributed 12 markers each.
Lao’s assistants include PBA players Jericho Cruz and CJ Perez of San Miguel Beer and Magnolia’s Jackson Corpuz.
Yukien Andrada paced the Red Lions with 19 points, while Jacob Cortez had 15. Clifford Jopia also had 15 markers and 16 caroms for Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda.
