By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The De La Salle-Ecooil squad out-maneuvered the Centro Escolar University (CEU) in Game 1 of their PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup championship series, 98-72, on May 6, 2024, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
La Salle still got CEU’s number after extending its winning streak on them in the tournament, following up its 89-61 preliminary round victory that took place last month.
It was another La Salle masterclass as the reigning UAAP collegiate champions dropped the hammer on CEU which was still on cloud nine after scoring a huge upset victory over San Beda to reach the grand finals stage.
The boys in green issued a wake-up call on CEU as they quickly surged ahead with their balanced offensive attack as early as the first half.
Led by the uprising Jonnel Policarpio, La Salle’s versatile and athletic swingman who just elevated his game to new heights, CEU stood no chance against the UAAP school despite any adjustment made in the game.
Without the presence of their frontcourt star Abdul-Wahab Olusesi who suffered an injury during their game against San Beda, CEU failed to contain La Salle’s paint attacks for four straight quarters.
La Salle then officially shut the door on CEU after establishing its largest lead in the game to as much as 39 points in the second half.
Leading the way for La Salle is Policarpio who wrapped up the Game 1 victory with 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block.
Meanwhile, veteran guard JC Macalalag played one of his best games in the PBA D-League after backstopping Policarpio with 13 markers and three steals.
