Lions off to rousing D-League start

MANILA, Philippines —  Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda obliterated Go Torakku-St. Clare, 92-59 victory in a roaring start to its revenge bid in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Former FEU sniper Bryan Sajonia showed the way with 12 points in only 16 minutes of play as the Red Lions, even minus ace guard Jacob Cortez, reintroduced themselves in style after finishing runner-up to back-to-back champion EcoOil-La Salle last season.

Cortez transferred to La Salle in the offseason but the NCAA champion found a bevy of transferees to make up for it with holdovers Jomel Puno (12) and skipper Yukien Andrada (12) also providing solid coverage.

Emmanuel Tagle added 11 points while NCAA Season 99 Finals MVP James Payosing and Penny Estacio, from UAAP champion La Salle, had eight each.