By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Monday (Ynares Sports Arena)
2 p.m. – Gamboa-St. Clare vs Go for Gold-St. Benilde
4 p.m. – CHE’LU-San Sebastian vs Perpetual Help
Showing steely nerves down the stretch, Marinerong Pilipino survived Zark’s Burgers, 94-92, for an auspicious start in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup last night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Up by as many as 17 points – twice – in the third canto, the Skippers found themselves hanging by a thread down the stretch in the face of the Jawbreakers’ spirited fightback but still found a way to pull through in what was billed as an early showdown between a pair of top title contenders.
“We all know this team (Zark’s Burgers) will fight until the end. We really had to grind it out especially down the stretch. Good thing, our players stepped up,” said Marinerong Pilipino coach Koy Banal.
Spitfire guard Renzo Subido sizzled with 20 points, including four insurance free throws inside the final 15 seconds, while former pro league stalwart Gab Banal dished out an all-around performance of 14 points, as many rebounds, six assists and four steals to lead the Skippers’ attack.
Pesky guard JC Marcelino had 20 points while reigning NCAA league MVP CJ Perez added 19 and Cameroonian big man Mike Nzeusseu clustered 18 as they teamed up in leading the Jawbreakers’ rally in the final canto.
After Pasaol scored a lay-up that kept Marinero’s lead in double figures, Zark’s Burgers refused to roll over and die, with Perez igniting a 10-2 counterattack that pulled them within 85-87, setting up the stage for a wild finish with 1:45 left.
Just when it seemed the momentum were already in their favor, the Jawbreakers apparently lost poise as Perez and Nzeusseu missed a pair of three-point attempts before JV Marcelino fouled Skippers counterpart Rian Ayonayon on a three-point try.
