MANILA – EcoOil-De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Arches survived the tough stand of the Karate Kid-CEU Scorpions, 79-73, in the 2020 Philippine Basketball Association D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Paco Arena here.
Justine Baltazar assumed the bigger role for the Green Archers in the payoff period by firing 12 points out of his total 20. He also grabbed eight rebounds and dished five assists for the now 2-0 DLSU.
“I think we know that nobody can stop Balti (Baltazar). We had to go to him every time until CEU finds a way to stop it,” said Green Archers head coach Derrick Pumaren.
Baltazar was the culprit for DLSU in a 10-2 scoring run that widened their gap with 5:02 remaining in the last quarter. The Scorpions were able to charge back repeatedly but got no closer than four points at 74-70 with 2:48 left.
Encho Serrano added 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Senegalese center Amadou Ndiaye listed 10 marks, 16 boards, two dimes, and two rejections for DLSU.
On the other hand, Justin Arana bannered the Scorpions with 13 points and three rebounds, while Dave Bernabe had 10 marks and six boards. The team suffered its second defeat in the tourney./PN
