REIGNING champion EcoOil-La Salle vented its ire on the PSP Gymers, 108-67, to get back on track in the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Green Archers needed a quarter to rediscover their fiery form, which they mightily unleashed in a telling 20-1 avalanche to start the second frame and take the fight out of the valiant Gymers.
Despite missing a handful of players, the shorthanded Archers extended a 19-18 edge to a 39-19 cushion on its way to a 2-1 slate at solo second behind Perpetual (2-0).
"Short kami sa rotation with Kevin Quiambao and other players in the UAAP 3x3. It's an adversity but instead, we told the team to treat it as an opportunity to step up, especially for those na hindi masyado nakakakuha ng minuto like Gollena did today," said assistant coach Gian Nazario.
Elaijah Gollena rose to the occasion with his 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting in leading the Green Archers.
Sponsored content:
Mark Nonoy and Raven Cortez added 14 apiece while JC Macalalag, EJ Abadam and Bright Nwankwo carded 12 each. for La Salle.
La Salle missed the services of Quiambao, CJ Austria, Joshua David and Francis Escandor due to their UAAP stints but welcomed back Gilas Pilipinas trainee Mike Phillips, who collared 10 points, seven rebounds and three steals.
PSP picked up its second defeat in three games.
Ian Jay Yutuc led PSP (1-2) with 22 points. (JBU)
The Scores:
EcoOil-La Salle 108 - Gollena 17, Nonoy 14, Cortez 14, Nelle 13, Macalalag 12, Abadam 12, Nwankwo 12, Phillips 10, M. Reyes 4, Alao 0.
Sponsored content:
PSP Gymers 67 - Yutuc 22, Dela Cruz 9, Mohammad 8, Bayla 7, Acu?a 6, Olegario 5, Gabriel 5, Dino 2, Velchez 2, Cesista 1, C. Reyes 0, Quinga 0, Soriano 0, Castillo 0.
Quarterscores: 19-18, 50-32, 78-51, 108-67.
