CIGNAL-Ateneo clobbered Centro Escolar University, 101-66, Thursday in Game One of the 2019 PBA D-League Finals at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The Blue Eagles broke the game open in the second quarter, outscoring the depleted Scorpions, 29-15, for a 54-31 advantage at the half.
As if it wasn't enough, Cignal-Ateneo kept the heat in the third to stretched the lead to 39 points, 78-39.
Isaac Go showed the way for Cignal-Ateneo with 17 points, including 4-of-6 from downtown. Thirdy Ravena added 15 points, seven boards, and three assists.
SJ Belangel also made the most of his opportunities, hitting nine of his 12 points in the first half for the Blue Eagles who 35-point victory went down as one of the most lopsided Finals in the history of the league.
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"We knew coming into the game that they went through a very tough best-of-three against St. Clare and we had more rest. We just wanted to make sure that we use our bench and I think that's what happened," said assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga.
Game Two is scheduled on Tuesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Senegalese center Maodo Malick Diouf led the Scorpions with 21 points, 11 rebounds, four steals, and three assists.
The Scores:
CIGNAL-ATENEO 101 -- Go 17, Ravena 15, Belangel 12, Kouame 9, Ma. Nieto 9, Tio 8, Wong 8, Daves 7, Andrade 5, Mi. Nieto 3, Mamuyac 3, Mendoza 3, Berjay 2, Navarro 0, Credo 0.
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CEU 66 -- Diouf 21, Santos 13, Guinitaran 12, Diaz 6, Bernabe 6, Intic 4, Sunga 2, Abastillas 2.
Quarters: 25-16, 54-31, 80-45, 101-66.
