MANILA, Philippines – The 2023 PBA Aspirants’ Cup will be held at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, where MARINERONG Pilipino-San Beda defeated Centro Escolar U, 81 to 72, to earn the top seed and an automatic semi final berth.

The Red Lions blew a 17-point lead in the first half, but they kept their best for last thanks to a 9 to 1 closeout that let them get away from the thorny Scorpions and secure their fifth straight victory.

The league’s inaugural game, held on April 27, pitted San Beda versus PSP Gymers, a novice team.

San Beda, who surrendered a 36 to 19 advantage in the second period, was led by Jacob Cortez’s 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

For the Red Lions, team captain Peter Alfaro and Yukien Andrada both scored 11 points, and Clifford Jopia added 11 points and 16 rebounds.

Midway through the third quarter, a Ron Rei Tolentino basket gave CEU a 54 to 52 lead, but the Red Lions soon rallied to take a narrow 60 to 57 advantages into the fourth quarter.

The Scorpions and Red Lions were locked in a see-saw fight for the majority of the fourth quarter until the Red Lions put the brakes on their opponents in the last five minutes by limiting them to just a point for the remainder of the period.

The Scorpions (3 to 3) are guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinals thanks to Tolentino’s 25 points.

Scores at the end of the match

San Beda with 81 points for the win

CEU with 72 points

Scores per quarter

19 to 13, 42 to 31, 60 to 57, and 81 to 72