The Marinerong Pilipino Skippers avoided a 21-point meltdown and thumped Batangas-EAC late, 92-78, Thursday afternoon at Ynares Sports Arena.
Rian Ayonayon was pivotal in the Skippers’ rescue mission, unleashing eight of his 16 points in the fourth period to avert disaster and halt his side’s two-game losing skid. He also finished with six rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Gab Banal was one rebound short of a double-double with his 17 markers and nine boards, while Alvin Pasaol came alive off the bench with 13 points and six rebounds.
Coach Koy Banal could only heave a sigh of relief as Marinerong Pilipino leveled its standing at 2-2.
“After back-to-back losses, that’s what a team would want to happen in our next outing. Good thing that the players listened and followed what we instructed kasi pressured kami against a team that will keep on fighting,” he said.
Banal, however, said that he’s still far from satisfied for the way his team performed in the game.
The Skippers saw their 36-15 lead trimmed down to just three, 52-49 midway in the third quarter as Jeric Diego led the huge rally for the Generals.
Batangas-EAC had a huge lift from their 48 bench points, but Marinerong Pilipino controlled the boards, 61-45.
“It only shows that anybody can compete this conference,” he said. “We have to bring the right kind attitude every game, which is to respect every opponent that we have. Clearly that game shows how competitive the field is and how well prepared they will come in facing us.”
Diego paced the winless Generals (0-3) with 20 points and four rebounds, while Earvin Mendoza got 15 markers, seven boards, and five dimes in the defeat.
The Scores:
Marinerong Pilipino 92 — Banal 17, Ayonayon 16, Pasaol 13, Iñigo 10, Paredes 10, Tolentino 8, Subido 7, Babilonia 4, Toth 3, Brill 2, Tratter 2, Lopez 0, Terso 0.
Batangas-EAC 78 — Diego 20, E. Mendoza 15, J. Bautista 11, Maguliano 11, De Joya 10, Garcia 6, Dela Peña 3, Altamirano 2, Laude 0, Martin 0, J. Mendoza 0, Neri 0, Pate 0, Tampoc 0.
Quarterscores: 32-13, 48-32, 71-62, 92-78.
