The Marinerong Pilipino Skippers advanced to the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup semi-finals with an 82-67 hammering of the Che’Lu-San Sebastian Revellers, Tuesday afternoon at the Pasig Sports Center.
Motivated to snare the top two spot, the Skippers wasted no time jumping on the Revellers, waxing hot early for a 20-2 start and never taking their feet off the gas pedal to even take a 33-point lead, 76-43, early in the fourth period.
Abu Tratter was pivotal in Marinerong Pilipino’s early attack, 16 points, 13 coming in the first half to lead the Skippers’ balanced attack.
Rian Ayonayon chipped in 15 markers, five assists, and three rebounds, while Alvin Pasaol and Vince Tolentino recorded 11 points apiece in the team’s eight straight victory.
“It’s nice to be there in the semi-finals,” said coach Koy Banal, as the Skippers await the result of the Akari-Adamson game against JRU Heavy Bombers to determine their placing in the playoffs. If the Falcons lose to the Heavy Bombers, they will gain the number one spot with their 9-2 card at the end of the eliminations.
Marinerong Pilipino’s defense kept Che’Lu-San Sebastian in check all game long, limiting its foes to a measly 31-percent shooting.
“Good thing everybody responded and understood yung situation namin,” said Banal. “Battle cry namin was to be number one or two, and it’s nice to be at the top.”
Jayson David powered the Revellers with 12 points and four rebounds, as Alfred Batino and Samboy de Leon combined for 20.
Che’Lu-San Sebastian’s five-game winning run was halted, as they finished the eliminations at 7-4 to end up with the fourth seed. They will still enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage against the fifth seed in the quarterfinals.
The Scores:
Marinerong Pilipino 82 — Tratter 16, Ayonayon 15, Pasaol 11, Tolentino 11, Toth 9, Banal 6, Robles 5, I?igo 3, Brill 2, Ebo?a 2, Lopez 2, Babilonia 0, Subido 0, Terso 0.
Che’Lu-San Sebastian 67 — David 12, Batino 10, De Leon 10, Faundo 9, Bulanadi 6, Lao 6, Jeruta 4, Capobres 3, Costelo 3, Ilagan 2, Santos 2.
Quarterscores: 21-12, 44-24, 70-41, 82-67.
