La Salle sweeps CEU for third straight PBA D-League title

EcoOil-La Salle ruled the PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup for the third straight time after dominating Centro Escolar University in Game 2 of the finals, 96-66, on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Green Archers relied on a strong start as it outscored the Scorpions, 33-16, in the first quarter alone before ending the first half with a 47-30. 

CEU trailed by 16 with less than five minutes left in the fourth period before the Taft-based squad made a 10-0 run and led, 90-64, with 3:21 before eventually taking the crown.

CJ Austria top-scored the Green Archers with 19 points, while JC Macalalag had 17 points. Tournament Most Valuable Player Mike Phillips registered a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds for the defending UAAP champions.

Franz Diaz had 14 points, while Daniel Marcelo and Jayson Puray had 13 and 12 points for CEU, respectively.

In Game 1 of the Finals, La Salle won 98-72.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News