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EcoOil-La Salle Repeats PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup Championship
Photo credit: PBA
EcoOil-La Salle emerged victorious in a thrilling showdown against Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda to secure the PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup championship. The Green Archers showcased their dominance and resilience as they sealed an 89-74 triumph over the Red Lions on Monday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Kevin Quiambao proved his worthiness of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, leading the charge for EcoOil-La Salle with an impressive performance. Quiambao tallied 26 points and secured 10 rebounds, making a significant impact during crucial moments of the game. His remarkable contributions propelled the Green Archers to secure back-to-back victories in the best-of-three championship series.
Mark Nonoy also showcased his prowess, finishing the game with 14 points. Nonoy's three-pointer just before the end of the second quarter gave EcoOil-La Salle a slim 43-42 halftime lead, a lead they would maintain until the final buzzer.
Assistant coach Gian Nazario, who took charge of the team in this tournament on behalf of head coach Topex Robinson, expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance. "We're just really happy with how these guys performed throughout the tournament. Our core from the previous championship is still intact, but what's remarkable here is the maturity of the players," said Nazario.
Acknowledging the resilience of their opponents, Nazario mentioned, "We expected the San Beda fightback. We told the team we cannot skip steps. We did not consider ourselves champions ahead of time. While most were expecting a blowout, we needed to play the full 40 minutes, and we're happy that the boys responded."
Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda fought valiantly, attempting a comeback from a nine-point deficit with just three minutes remaining in the second quarter. Sparked by JV Gallego's performance, the Red Lions orchestrated a 12-1 rally to surge ahead 42-40.
However, Mark Nonoy's quick response with a three-pointer allowed the Green Archers to regain the lead, which they held onto for the remainder of the game.
Kevin Quiambao once again rose to the occasion, contributing eight points during a crucial 17-4 run that extended EcoOil-La Salle's lead to 60-46.
Expressing his gratitude for being named MVP, Quiambao attributed his success to his teammates and the coaching staff, emphasizing that their championship victory was a collective effort. "I am thankful for being recognized as the MVP, but credit goes to my teammates and the whole coaching staff because we achieved our goal of winning the championship. Our journey doesn't stop here," Quiambao shared.
Contributing to EcoOil-La Salle's victory, Evan Nelle recorded 16 points and seven assists, while Michael Philips notched a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. For Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda, Yukien Andrada tallied 15 points, with Damie Cuntapay and James Payosing adding 12 points each. The Red Lions struggled with turnovers, committing 23 throughout the game, which EcoOil-La Salle capitalized on, converting them into 29 points.
In addition to their scoring advantage, EcoOil-La Salle also outperformed their opponents in fast break points, with a 20-7 advantage, and in second chance points, holding a 13-6 edge.
With their triumph in the PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup, EcoOil-La Salle proved their mettle and emerged as the deserving champions, leaving Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda to rue another heartbreaking defeat.
Kevin Quiambao proved his worthiness of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, leading the charge for EcoOil-La Salle with an impressive performance. Quiambao tallied 26 points and secured 10 rebounds, making a significant impact during crucial moments of the game. His remarkable contributions propelled the Green Archers to secure back-to-back victories in the best-of-three championship series.
Mark Nonoy also showcased his prowess, finishing the game with 14 points. Nonoy's three-pointer just before the end of the second quarter gave EcoOil-La Salle a slim 43-42 halftime lead, a lead they would maintain until the final buzzer.
Assistant coach Gian Nazario, who took charge of the team in this tournament on behalf of head coach Topex Robinson, expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance. "We're just really happy with how these guys performed throughout the tournament. Our core from the previous championship is still intact, but what's remarkable here is the maturity of the players," said Nazario.
Acknowledging the resilience of their opponents, Nazario mentioned, "We expected the San Beda fightback. We told the team we cannot skip steps. We did not consider ourselves champions ahead of time. While most were expecting a blowout, we needed to play the full 40 minutes, and we're happy that the boys responded."
Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda fought valiantly, attempting a comeback from a nine-point deficit with just three minutes remaining in the second quarter. Sparked by JV Gallego's performance, the Red Lions orchestrated a 12-1 rally to surge ahead 42-40.
However, Mark Nonoy's quick response with a three-pointer allowed the Green Archers to regain the lead, which they held onto for the remainder of the game.
Kevin Quiambao once again rose to the occasion, contributing eight points during a crucial 17-4 run that extended EcoOil-La Salle's lead to 60-46.
Expressing his gratitude for being named MVP, Quiambao attributed his success to his teammates and the coaching staff, emphasizing that their championship victory was a collective effort. "I am thankful for being recognized as the MVP, but credit goes to my teammates and the whole coaching staff because we achieved our goal of winning the championship. Our journey doesn't stop here," Quiambao shared.
Contributing to EcoOil-La Salle's victory, Evan Nelle recorded 16 points and seven assists, while Michael Philips notched a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. For Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda, Yukien Andrada tallied 15 points, with Damie Cuntapay and James Payosing adding 12 points each. The Red Lions struggled with turnovers, committing 23 throughout the game, which EcoOil-La Salle capitalized on, converting them into 29 points.
In addition to their scoring advantage, EcoOil-La Salle also outperformed their opponents in fast break points, with a 20-7 advantage, and in second chance points, holding a 13-6 edge.
With their triumph in the PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup, EcoOil-La Salle proved their mettle and emerged as the deserving champions, leaving Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda to rue another heartbreaking defeat.
Jun 27, 2023
