EcoOil-La Salle books ticket to PBA D-League Finals; routs Perpetual to complete semis sweep

Prince Alao had himself a career game for the finals-bound Green Archers.

By John Rhey Piamonte

SAN JUAN, MM—Playing like a well-oiled machine, reigning PBA D-League Aspirants Cup champion EcoOil- La Salle leaned on to Prince Ray Alao's career game to thwart the gritty University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 108-91, in Game 2 of their semifinal duel on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

Alao spearheaded the Green Archers' offense as he made it rain from beyond the arc, finishing with a game-high 22 points, knocking down six triples in the process.  

"Sinabihan talaga akong ng coaching staff na mag step up dahil may iniinda nga si Kuya Mark [Nonoy]. Kaya simula pa lang binuhos ko na," Alao stated.

La Salle imposed their dominance inside the paint with twin towers Kevin Quiambao and Bright Nwankwo manning the shaded area that propelled the Green Archers to their biggest lead, 90-62 in the second half.

DLSU barged in with 54 points off the painted area compared to Perpetual Help's 18.

Quiambao finished with a double-double performance of 10 points and 10 boards. 

Nwankwo and Ben Phillips provided 10 and 9 markers for the Green Archers. 

Green Archers opened the game firing on all cylinders with guard Alao cashing in three 3-point shots in the opening salvo to thwart Perpetual for a 30-17 lead.

John Abis topped the scoring chart for Perpetual after a 21-point performance. 

Gunners Christian Pagaran and Carlo Ferreras added 19 points each.

La Salle will now wait for the winner of the other semifinal matchup between Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda and the Wangs Basketball-Letran in the finals.

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