MANILA, Philippines –  Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, MARINERONG Pilipino-San Beda defeated AMA Online 119-70 to secure a playoff spot in the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.

The Red Lions got off to a poor start, but they picked up the pace in the second half on their way to their fourth straight victory, which gave them a position in the quarterfinals and a good chance to advance directly to the semifinals.

With a win versus Centro Escolar U in their final game, the Red Lions, who have a 4-1 record, might guarantee a spot in the semifinals.

In just 17 minutes, James Payosing led San Beda to a rout by scoring 17 points, grabbing five rebounds, and committing two steals.

Coach Yuri Escueta of San Beda said, “We started the game on the wrong foot. 

Finishing in the Top 2 would be fantastic, but we want to focus on winning each game individually as much as possible.

San Beda struggled to compete as AMA jumped out to an early 11-4 lead. The Red Lions, though, gradually found their groove and held a 55 to 40 lead at the break.

The Titans, who lost inexplicably for the fourth time in as many games, were paced by Reed Baclig and Nikon Alina, who both scored 14 points.

Scores at the end of the match:

San Beda – Payosing, 17, Tagala, 13, Cuntapay, 12, Jopia, 12, Cortez, 10, Tagle, Teruel II, 10, Andrada, 7, Jalbuena, 4, Pino, 4, Alloso, 2, Gallego, 0, Royo.

AMA Online #70: Baclig #14; Alina #14; Ceniza #10; A. Cruz, 9, Panlilio, 6, Camay, 4, Yambao, 3, Fernandez, 3, Cantoma, 2, Del Rosario, 2, Sison, 2, Romero, 0, and K. Ibo 0; Cruz 0.

Scores per quarter:

20 to 22, 55 to 40, 85 to 57, 119 to 70