San Beda routs St. Clare in PBA D-League opener

Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda took down Go Torrakku-St. Clare, 92-59, as it opened the 2024 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The NCAA champions outscored St. Clare, 22-6, in the second period to end the first half at 41-20. It then unleashed a 38-point output against St. Clare’s 16 points in the third quarter to hold a 79-36 lead at the end of the said frame, before eventually claiming the win.

Jomel Puno, Bryan Sajonia, and Yukien Andrada chipped in 12 points apiece for the Red Lions, while Babacar Ndong registered a double-double for St. Clare with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

For San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta, the tournament could serve as a platform for his new players to gel well with the remaining players.

“We’re getting there. We’re still adjusting to being able to mix ‘yung new and old guys. Itong D-League is part of the process for us preparing for the NCAA next season,” said Escueta.

“Ito ‘yung first tournament namin together. There are a lot of things to watch and improve on and that’s a good thing moving forward.”

The Red Lions are also playing without ace player Jacob Cortez who transferred to De La Salle University.

EcoOil-La Sale, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a win against CCI-Yengskivel, 110-68.

Jonnel Policarpio had an almost triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists for the defending D-League and UAAP champions.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News