Collegiate champions San Beda, La Salle remain unblemished in PBA D-League

Reigning NCAA and UAAP champions San Beda University and De La Salle University extended their winning ways to remain unbeaten in the 2024 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup on Monday at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

Marinerong Pilipino-SBU eked out a lopsided 109-59 win against neophyte Keanzel Basketball while the EcoOil-DLSU romped Go Torakku-St. Clare, 90-63, to both improve to 2-0.

Reigning Finals MVP James Payosing led the Red Lions with 18 points and three rebounds while transferee Richi Calimag poured in 14 markers, five boards, and four dimes as they picked up where they left off from 92-59 thrashing of St. Clare last Thursday.

“Like our last game, hindi pa namin kilala ‘yung kalaban nami so we had to do what need to do better than our last game. Kailangan i-respeto ‘yung kalaban at syempre, nasa D-League sila so hindi pwede i-take for granted,” said coach Yuri Escueta.

The defending UAAP champion Green Archers, meanwhile, banked on Jonnel Policarpio and CJ Austria, who both starred off the bench with the former churning out 17 points and nine rebounds while the latter chipped in 15 markers.

But La Salle isn’t about to stay complacent as they look to complete a three-peat.

“Despite the two wins, we still have to learn and we believe we can still be better, especially on execution. That’s one thing we have to work on,” said assistant coach Caloy Garcia.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News