As they have done with the 1Bataan Risers in Chooks 3×3, Anton Asistio and Santi Santillan showed perfect chemistry, powering the Marinerong Pilipino’s whipping of the SMDC-NU Bulldogs, 86-71, to chalk one up in the win column in the 2019 PBA D-League Tuesday at Paco Arena in Manila.
Santi Santillan led the way with 18 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Meanwhile, Anton Asistio added 14 points on a 3-of-8 shooting from distance, as well as four rebounds.
“Yun na ang Anton Asistio at Santi Santillan na hinahanap namin,” said coach Yong Garcia. “Iba ang experience nila at nadadala nila sa Marinero.”
The Skippers lost hold of a 21-point lead, 50-29, early in the third quarter as the Bulldogs rallied and cut the deficit down to six, 63-57 with a quarter remaining.
But that rally would ultimately fall short, as Marinero went on a 15-2 tear. They broke away from a tight 69-61 affair with less than seven minutes left, to take a comfortable 84-63 lead in the last two minutes.
Orlan Wamar chimed in 11 of his 13 points in the first half. Jed Mendoza had 11 points, five assists, and three rebounds. Veterans Raphy Reyes and Felix Apreku combined for 18 in the victory.
John Galinato led SMDC-NU (0-2) with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Shaun Ildefonso added 16 points, three boards, and two assists.
The Scores:
Marinerong Pilipino 86 — Santillan 18, Asistio 14, Wamar 13, Mendoza 11, Reyes 9, Apreku 9, A. Aquino 4, Bunag 3, Victoria 3, Gamboa 2, Bonifacio 0, Garcia 0.
SMDC-NU 71 — Galinato 17, S. Ildefonso 16, D. Ildefonso 13, Mangayao 5, Clemente 5, Diputado 5, Gallego 4, Minerva 2, Oczon 2, Rangel 2, Gaye 0, Tibayan 0, Malonzo 0, Chatman 0, Sinclair 0.
Quarterscores: 19-15, 47-29, 63-57, 86-71.