The Marinerong Pilipino Skippers routed Gamboa-St. Clare Coffee Lovers, 99-83 to clinch its seat in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup playoffs Tuesday at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
Billy Robles steered the Skippers to their sixth straight victory with his 19 points, dropping 13 in the first half to set the tone for the easy win.
Alvin Pasaol also poured 12 markers and nine rebounds, Rian Ayonayon chimed in 11 points, five boards, and two assists, and Vince Tolentino had 11 markers, two rebounds, and two dimes.
Marinerong Pilipino joined the CEU Scorpions and the Akari-Adamson Soaring Falcons at the top of the standings with their identical 7-2 records, staying alive in the race for the elusive outright semifinal spots.
“We’re on a roll and we want to keep on rolling going to the playoffs. Hopefully, we can bring this winning attitude going to our next games,” said Banal after the 16-point victory.
The Skippers were quick to put their feet on the gas pedal, rampaging through the Coffee Lovers to erect an early 15-point lead, 31-16 lead late in the first period, continuing the trend for the remainder of the game and even extended the lead to as high as 30, 66-36, with a Robles three with 7:11 left in the third quarter.
It also helps that Marinerong Pilipino was on-point, going 50-percent from the field and shot 6-of-17 from downtown.
All but one of the 14 players Banal fielded scored at least three points, with the lone exception being Luis Brill who only logged two minutes of action.
Aris Dionisio carried Gamboa-St. Clare with his double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Chris Bitoon, Trevis Jackson, and Mohammed Pare all got 13 markers each, but their efforts weren’t enough to stop the Coffee Lovers from dropping to 5-4.
The Scores:
Marinerong Pilipino 99 — Robles 19, Pasaol 12, Ayonayon 11, Tolentino 11, Banal 9, Babilonia 6, Eboña 6, Iñigo 5, Terso 5, Lopez 4, Subido 4, Tratter 4, Toth 3, Brill 0.
Gamboa-St. Clare 83 — Dionisio 17, Bitoon 13, Jackson 13, Pare 13, Fontanilla 7, Hallare 6, Rubio 6, Acuno 4, Rebugio 4, Alcober 0.
Quarterscores: 31-18, 56-32, 80-55, 99-83.
