MANILA -- EcoOil-La Salle outplayed Centro Escolar University in the second half to pull away for an 89-61 romp on Tuesday in the 2024 PBA D-League Aspirant's Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The two-time defending champions seized control in the third quarter behind an excellent defense that took away the fight from their debuting opponents.

Jonnel Policarpio tallied 18 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks for the Green Archers, who stayed perfect in three games and assumed the solo lead.

The versatile forward drew solid coverage from Henry Agunanne (13 points, nine rebounds, two blocks) and Mike Phillips (nine points, 12 rebounds).

The defending champs outscored the Scorpions, 22-15, in the second quarter to tie the score at 36 at halftime before completely dominating the match in the third. 

Jayson Puray and Justin Guevarra had 12 and 10 points, respectively, for the Scorpions, the reigning Universities and Colleges Athletic League champion. 

In the first game, CCI-Yengskivel defeated Keanzel Basketball, 80-73, for its first win.

The Crusaders stormed to a 38-13 advantage after one quarter but needed to get the act together in the third quarter to bounce back from a disappointing 110-68 debut loss against back-to-back title holder EcoOil-La Salle.

It was a frustrating loss for the Scorpions, who had a 20-12 lead in the first quarter but couldn't hold on to it.

Four players hit double digits for CCI-Yengskivel led by Victor Ryan Nuarin’s 19 points. He also had five rebounds and two steals as the Bulacan-based dribblers climbed to third spot in this six-team tourney  with a 1-1 card.

Castor Troy Manipolo had 13 points while Kenneth Tener and Kenjie Ryan Buenaflor had 11 apiece for CCI-Yengkisvel, which will shoot for a second straight win against CEU on Thursday.

The Scores:

First Game

CCI-Yengskivel 80 – Nuarin 19, Manipolo 13, Tener 11, Buenaflor 11, Jawili 6, Galvez 5, Esguerra 5, Dela Cruz 5, Talagtag 3, Puzon 2, Verdadero 0, Guray 0, De Guzman 0.

Keanzel 73 – Alota 17, Gayosa 15, Ceniza 14, Wong 6, Villaflor 5, Sison 4, Calacalsada 4, Baclig 4, Villamor 5, Panlilio 0, Camay 0, Magpayo 0, Advincula 0.

Quarterscores: 38-15, 46-38, 60-48, 80-73. 

Second Game

EcoOil-La Salle 89 – Policarpio 18, Agunanne 13, Phillips 9, Abadam 8, Cortez 7, Macalalag 7, Gollena 7, Austria 7, Marasigan 5, Rubico 4, Buensalida 2, Daja 2, David 0, Alian 0. 

CEU 61 – Puray 12, Guevarra 10, Marcelo 9, Malicana 7, Santos 7, Gamboa 5, Bernabe 4, Olusesi 3, Serrano 2, Mendoza 2, De Guzman 0, Benitez 0. 

Quarterscores: 14-21, 36-36, 61-49, 89-61.