Juan Gomez de Liano showed why he’s the frontrunner for the Conference MVP award, lifting Marinerong Pilipino to a 72-67 victory over EcoOil-La Salle in Game One of the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup title series Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Silenced all game long, the University of the Philippines guard uncorked six of the Skippers’ last 10 points, including the dagger with 13.9 seconds left that gave the Skippers a 68-64 lead.
Evan Nelle kept the Archers afloat with a three-point shot of his own in the ensuing possession, but Jollo Go and Arvin Gamboa settled the issue with crucial free throws.
Gomez de Liano finished with 9 points apart from posting 14 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals.
Adrian Nocum led the Skippers with 22 points, five boards, and three assists, Go scored three triples for 15 points, eight rebounds, and three dimes, and Gamboa knocked down 14 points and six rebounds for Marinerong Pilipino, which moved a win away from the elusive PBA D-League crown after finishing bridesmaids in the 2019 Foundation Cup.
The Skippers can win the crown on Wednesday at the same venue.
Schonny Winston paced EcoOil-La Salle with 21 points, but was limited to just two in the payoff period.
