Marinerong Pilipino escaped a tough stand from ADG Dong-Mapua and took home the 83-69 escape, Monday in the 2020 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Paco Arena in Manila.
Jamie Malonzo impressed in his debut for the Skippers, firing 23 points, 11 rebounds, six steals, four assists, and a block. And that more than made up for the Fil-Am high-flyer’s absence in the season opener, who still had to fix the necessary papers before gaining clearance.
Malonzo made an instant impact for Marinerong Pilipino. His trey with 3:38 remaining gave his side a 75-63 lead and took the fight out of ADG Dong-Mapua.
“Malaking tulong si Jamie sa amin, and hopefully, maging consistent siya every game,” said coach Yong Garcia.
Juan Gomez de Liaño followed suit, scoring five of the Skippers’ last six points. The UP standout finished with 18 points on a 4-of-10 shooting from distance, alongside 11 rebounds and four assists
Alfred Batino did his share with 14 points and seven boards, while Dhon Reverente had nine points and five rebounds in the win.
The pair were crucial to Marinerong Pilipino’s 17-point cushion, 55-38, after opening the third quarter with a 15-0.
“Ang importante para sa amin, natapatan namin ang energy at effort ng Mapua,” said Garcia.
Meanwhile, Laurenz Victoria led with 16 points, five rebounds, and two assists for the Cardinals in their debut in the developmental ranks.
The Scores:
Marinerong Pilipino 83 — Malonzo 23, Ju. Gomez de Liano 18, Batino 14, Reverente 9, Lalata 6, Laput 6, Manday 3, Rios 2, Fuentes 2, Mangahas 0, Solis 0, Senining 0.
ADG Dong-Mapua 69 — Victoria 16, Lacap 14, Gamboa 11, Agustin 7, Lugo 7, Bonifacio 4, Nocum 4, Bunag 2, Pido 2, Nieles 2, Mercado 0, Salenga 0, Sumugat 0.
Quarterscores: 20-16, 40-38, 62-51, 83-69.
