A return trip to the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Finals was awarded to Eco Oil La Salle.

In Game 2 of the best-of-three semifinal series at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, the defending champions prevailed, defeating University of Perpetual Help System Delta, 108-91, to win the game and secure a sweep.

With a strong sense of purpose, the Archers quickly jumped out to a 28 to 13 lead and never gave their outmatched opponent a chance to get back into the game.

A best-of-three final will pit La Salle against the victor of the other semifinal matchup between Wangs Basketball @27 Strikers-Letran and Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda.

As the Green Archers widened their lead to 51-36, Prince Ray Albarelli’s 12 of his 22 points in the opening period.

When Evan Nelle, the team’s main guard, was hurt, JC Macalalag stepped up and scored 11, while Kevin Quiambao, Bright Nwankwo, and EJ Gollena each added 10 points to that grueling assault.

Masaya kami sa pinakita namin these playoffs, but we’re not satisfied just yet, said deputy coach Gian Nazario, who is leading the team in the competition on the orders of head coach Topex Robinson.

Perpetual, which placed third in the eliminations, never overcame its slow start, and with it, whatever hope it had of tying the series.

The highest scorer for the Altas, Cyrus Nitura, misfired and scored only four points, placing John Abis in first place with 21 points.

Scores at the end of the match:

EcoOil-La Salle with 108 points

Individual scores: Austria 9, B., Alao 22, Macalalag 11, Quiambao 10, Gollena 10, Nwankwo 10, etc. 9. Phillips, M. Cortez 5, Escandor 3, Manuel 2, Abadam 2, David 0, Phillips 8, Nonoy 7, and Escandor.

91 Perpetual: Abis 21, Pagaran 19, Ferreras 19, Razon 11, Roque 5, Nitura 4, Sevilla 2, Boral 2, Barcuma 0, etc.

Scores per quarter:

30 to 17, 51 to 36, 86 to 59, 108 to 91