CIGNAL-Ateneo was crowned as the 2019 PBA D-League champion, dominating Centro Escolar University with a 98-66 Game Four decimation Tuesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
It was the Blue Eagles' first title in the developmental league, winning the cup in only their first foray, as the Cignal banner also won its third championship, the first two banking on the San Beda core back in the 2016-17 season.
Cignal-Ateneo wasted no time blasting CEU, starting off hot with a 27-5 opener as it shot 75-percent from the field to grab a 38-10 advantage after the first 10 minutes.
That only set the tone for the rout that was about to come, with the Blue Eagles waylaying the Scorpions as they held a lead as high as 37, 79-42, thanks to Gian Mamuyac's three-point play late in the third.
Ivorian slotman Ange Kouame dropped a double-double in the clincher with his 18 points, 16 boards, two assists, two steals, and two blocks.
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Will Navarro also scored 13 of his 16 points in the squad's explosive first quarter, while Thirdy Ravena uncorked 15 points, four rebounds, four steals, and two assists in an all-around effort for Cignal-Ateneo.
Conference MVP Isaac Go chimed in seven points and seven rebounds in the victory.
Rich Guinitaran starred for the valiant CEU squad in the bridesmaid finish with 20 points, four rebounds, and three steals.
The Scores:
CIGNAL-ATENEO 98 -- Kouame 18, Navarro 16, Ravena 15, Mamuyac 10, Ma. Nieto 9, Mi. Nieto 7, Go 7, Wong 6, Mendoza 5, Daves 2, Credo 2, Belangel 1, Tio 0, Andrade 0, Berjay 0.
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CEU 66 -- Guinitaran 20, Bernabe 12, Diouf 11, Santos 11, Diaz 6, Sunga 6, Intic 0, Abastillas 0.
Quarters: 38-10, 48-27, 79-47, 98-66.
