DESPITE its two emphatic victories, reigning champion EcoOil-DLSU knows that it remains a work in progress in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, the Green Archers’ first major tournament which is a part of their UAAP Season 87 build-up.

“Despite the two wins, we still have to learn and we believe we can still be better, especially on execution. That’s one thing we have to work on,” said assistant coach Caloy Garcia after EcoOil-DLSU clobbered Go Torakku-St. Clare, 90-63, Monday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Green Archers, who trounced CCI-Yengskivel with a 110-68 win Thursday last week, gained a share of the lead with first-game winner Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda in the six-team D-League cast for their three-peat bid.

EcoOil-DLSU, which continued to excel even without reigning D-League and UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, faces its first biggest test of the tournament in newly-minted Universities and Colleges Athletic League champion Centro Escolar University when the league resumes on April 2 at the Ynares Sports Arena.

Jonnel Policarpio sustained his fine play with 17 points and nine rebounds after flirting with a triple-double of 22 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in the opener for the Green Archers.

John Rojas and Ryan Sual put up 14 points apiece, but the Saints still absorbed a second straight blowout loss after also bowing to the Red Lions, 59-92 last Thursday.

Games April 2

(Ynares Sports Arena)
4:30 p.m. – Keanzel vs CCI-Yengskivel
7:30 p.m. – EcoOil-DLSU vs CEU

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado