La Salle nails semis berth in D-League

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion EcoOil-La Salle drubbed Wangs Basketball @27 Strikers-Letran, 102-79, and grabbed the last semifinal spot in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Green Archers rode on a searing 21-7 start and never looked back to clinch the No. 2 seed at 5-1 and join leader Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda straight to the Final Four of the seven-team tournament.

“We’re lucky to be in the semis. It’s about time to reward the boys for the hard work they’re doing but it’s still part of the process,” said deputy mentor Gian Nazario.

All players scored in La Salle’s balanced attack led by Kevin Quaimbao with a game-high 28 points and 13 rebounds. Prince Alao and Mark Nonoy added 10 and eight, respectively, as Mike Phillips collared a 9-13 double-double.

La Salle cooled down a bit after a fiery start, allowing Letran to claw back at 19-25 late in the first quarter before retaliating with an even bigger 30-13 rally to take command at 55-32 heading home.

Letran, however, still clinched the fourth seed due to a higher quotient for a twice-to-beat advantage against No. 5 Centro Escolar U starting on Tuesday at the Paco Arena.