KNIGHTS, ARCHERS SCORE OPENING BLOW

MANILA, Philippines — Wangs Basketball @27 Strikers-Letran and EcoOil-La Salle hacked out contrasting wins in drawing first blood in the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup semifinals yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Knights completed a massive comeback from 24 points down against No. 1 Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda, pulling off a 93-87 win in overtime even as the Green Archers drubbed University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 107-78, in the kickoff of the best-of-three duels.

Kurt Reyson topscored for the Knights with 32 points including a crucial seven-point binge in overtime.

Kevin Santos came through with a 17-13 double-double, Vince Cuajao chipped in 12 points with Kyle Tolentino (10) serving as the hero in regulation following his big trey in the last five seconds to force OT at 81-all.

Later, Mark Nonoy bannered a scattered attack with 22 points laced by five treys in only 18 minutes of play as La Salle ran away with a 29-point win.

EJ Gollena (11) and Bright Nwankwo (10) also delivered with CJ Austria and Mike Phillips adding nine apiece for the Green Archers, who bolstered their title-retention bid, moving a step away from a finals return.

2023-06-08T16:32:06Z dg43tfdfdgfd