The Marinerong Pilipino Skippers used a late charge to keep their four-game winning streak intact, derailing the Go for Gold Scratchers, 86-80, Tuesday afternoon at the Pasig Sports Center.
Billy Robles caught fire in the final half of the fourth quarter, unleashing six of his 18 points, to go with 13 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks off the bench, and help the Skippers join the Akari-Adamson Soaring Falcons at second place at 5-2.
Renzo Subido also contributed 16 markers, three boards, and two assists. Alvin Pasaol got 13 points, three rebounds, and two dimes; and Gab Banal did the dirty work with 12 markers, eight boards, four assists, and four steals.
“We could not get our rhythm in the first half, but I’m happy na nag-step up kami sa defense,” said coach Koy Banal.
Marinerong Pilipino staged a 13-4 run to turn a 62-66 deficit at the start of the payoff period, to a 75-70 lead with 5:06 remaining.
Go for Gold leaned on Jerwin Gaco to stay in the game, as the ex-pro cut the lead down, 84-80, with 1:23 on the clock. But Robles snuffed that rally out, splitting his foul shots in the ensuing possession and blocking Yankie Haruna on his late attempt.
Gaco paced the Scratchers with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Matt Salem chipped in 14 markers and five boards in the loss.
With the defeat, Go for Gold drop to eighth place with their 4-4 record.
The Scores:
Marinerong Pilipino 86 — Robles 18, Subido 16, Pasaol 13, Banal 12, Ayonayon 9, Toth 6, Tratter 5, Babilonia 2, Lopez 2, Tolentino 2, Terso 1, Iñigo 0.
Go for Gold 80 — Gaco 16, Salem 14, Alejandro 11, Gutang 9, Naboa 8, Dixon 7, Haruna 7, Casiño 4, Leutcheu 2, Pili 2, Domingo 0.
Quarterscores: 22-20, 37-43, 62-66, 86-80.
