The Marinerong Pilipino Skippers continued their miraculous drive to the quarterfinals, cruising to their fourth straight win with a 69-point decimation of Gamboa Coffee Lovers, 138-69, Monday afternoon at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Everything went the Skippers’ way, as they turned a 24-all deadlock to a commanding 57-41 halftime lead before the margin exploded to 69 points, the second-highest winning spread in league history. The mark was seven points away from tying Tanduay’s 76-point demolition of Zark’s Burgers last July 10.
Pao Javelona topscored for Marinerong Pilipino as he scattered 16 points, three assists, and two rebounds, to lead the eight players who logged double-digits in scoring in the conquest.
Sam Marata also went for 15 markers, all coming in the first half, while Ralph Salcedo and Renzo Subido both tallied an identical statline of 12 points and five assists.
At 5-4, the Skippers can complete their huge sail to the playoffs with a victory over AMA Online Education this Thursday, something coach Koy Banal is highly optimistic about.
“Miracles still happen. We’re hoping that we’ll be able to be smart in our preparation so that we’ll be ready for the next level. Who knows, baka magkaroon ulit kami ng miracle,” he said.
Gamboa Coffee Mix playing-coach Leo Avenido topped his crew with 24 points, while Ken Acibar poured 14 markers and nine rebounds.
It was the Coffee Lovers’ eighth straight defeat.
The Skippers look to continue their run to the playoffs when they play their final game of the round against the AMA Online Education Titans on Thursday, July 27, at 1:00pm. Gamboa Coffee, on the other hand, look to end their season on a high note against Team Batangas on the same day at 5:00pm.
The Scores:
Marinerong Pilipino (138) – Javelona 16, Marata 15, Salcedo 12, Subido 12, Isip 11, Javillonar 11, Moralde 11, Publico 10, Gumaru 8, Iñigo 8, Sargent 8, Lopez 7, Alabanza 6, Gavieres 3.
Gamboa Coffee (69) – Avenido 24, Acibar 14, David 6, Montuano 6, Parala 6, Acuña 3, Padilla 3, Jumao-as 2, Riva 2, Sarangay 2, Arellano 1, Vidal 0.
Quarterscores: 24-16, 57-41, 92-54, 138-69.
