MANILA, Philippines—Cignal-Ateneo clinched its playoff spot after punishing Batangas-Emilio Aguinaldo College, 90-46, in the 2019 PBA D-League Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Matt Nieto scored 10 of his total 16 points in the first half where the Blue Eagles easily took control of the game with a 40-19 lead heading into the break.
Tyler Tio led Cignal-Ateneo’s with 19 points on 4-of-9 shooting from deep as the blue Eagles notched up their fifth straight win for a 7-1 record.
“It was a physical game and I think that’s certainly their formula for dealing with our big guys,” said Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin. “I told the players to play through that and play good basketball, and that’s what we’re focused on.”
William Navarro finished with a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Blue Eagles who played without Thirdy Ravena.
JP Maguliano led the Generals with 12 points but they’ve bowed out of the playoff race after falling to a 2-6 record.