Marinerong Pilipino stays alive as Gab Banal leads rout of Perpetual

Marinerong Pilipino kept themselves in contention for the fourth playoff spot in the Foundation Group with a 90-76 drubbing of the Perpetual Altas, Tuesday in the 2019 PBA D-League at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Santi Santillan scattered 21 points and 17 rebounds, as he willed the Skippers back from an early 32-20 deficit to grab a 50-36 halftime lead.

Gab Banal anchored Marinerong Pilipino’s attack with 27 points, 12 boards, and six assists. Meanwhile, Art Aquino added 13 points and five rebounds.

It was a big win for the Skippers, who rose to 5-4 in the team standings. They must now hope for CEU to topple FEU in their duel next week to claim the seat.

Diliman College-Gerry’s Grill were also eliminated following the Marinerong Pilipino win. The Blue Dragons hold an inferior quotient in the event of a triple-tie between them, the Skippers, and the Tamaraws.

Still, coach Yong Garcia is happy that his side got their acts together late despite having no control of their fortunes.

“Masaya kami, especially sa huling dalawang laro namin. Like yung sinasabi ng management, maipanalo lang namin yung natitira naming mga laro, at masaya naman ako na nakuha namin,” he said.

Edgar Charcos scored 19 points, five assists, four rebounds, and two steals in the losing cause for Perpetual (2-6).

The Scores:

Marinerong Pilipino 90 — Banal 27, Santillan 21, A. Aquino 13, Asistio 9, Mendoza 7, Clarito 4, Ayonayon 3, Montalbo 2, M. Aquino 2, Rodriguez 2, Wamar 0, Victoria 0.

UPHSD 76 — Charcos 19, Razon 15, Peralta 13, Adamos 11, Egan 6, Guissani 5, Pasia 3, Cuevas 2, Lanoy 2, Martel 0, Aurin 0, Tamayo 0, Sese 0.

Quarterscores: 20-30, 50-36, 73-58, 90-76.