CIGNAL-Ateneo rolled to a 90-46 rout of Batangas-EAC on Thursday and clinched a playoff berth in the 2019 PBA D-League at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Matt Nieto scored 10 of his 16 points in the first half as the Blue Eagles broke away early and coasted the rest of the way.
Tyler Tio poured 19 points, including 4-of-9 shooting from downtown to lead Cignal-Ateneo to its fifth straight victory and seventh overall in eight games.
William Navarro finished with a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, Mike Nieto had 10 points and Isaac Go chipped in 11 for the Cignal-Ateneo, which played without Thirdy Ravena.
The Blue Eagles posted their biggest advantage at 48, 88-40, in the last 2:12.
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"It was a physical game and I think that's certainly their formula with dealing with our big guys. But I told the players to play through that and play good basketball, and that's what we focused on," said coach Tab Baldwin.
Batangas-EAC bowed out of the playoff race with sixth loss in eight outings.
JP Maguliano was the lone player in double-digits for the Generals with 12 points.
The Scores:
CIGNAL-ATENEO 90 -- Tio 19, Ma. Nieto 16, Navarro 13, Go 11, Mi. Nieto 10, Kouame 8, Wong 4, Berjay 3, Belangel 3, Andrade 2, Mamuyac 1, Daves 0.
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BATANGAS-EAC 46 -- Maguliano 12, E. Mendoza 9, Tampoc 6, Cadua 5, Taywan 4, Carlos 3, Corilla 2, Oppong 2, De Guzman 2, Dela Pena 1, Gonzales 0, Martin 0, J. Mendoza 0, Boffa 0, Fuentes 0.
Quarters: 16-9, 40-19, 65-31, 90-46.
