Streaking Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda hacked out another escape act with a slim 66-64 win over erstwhile unbeaten University of Perpetual Help System Dalta to snatch the lead in the 2023 PBA Aspirants’ Cup Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
After Peter Alfaro and Yukien Andrada, Jacob Cortez took his turn this time in rescuing the Red Lions after draining the game-winning lay-up in the last 20 seconds.
Marinero-San Beda racked up its third straight win for a solo spot atop of the standings with a 3-1 record. The Altas slid to 2-1.
“Well, I have to give it to our players for grinding it out. Hindi sila sumuko even though we’re down. Ito naman ‘yung gusto namin kaya kami nag-D-League, para masanay sa mga dikdikang laro,” said coach Yuri Escueta.
“Hats off to Perpetual. We know how good and tough they are. Pinaghandaan talaga namin,” the Atenean continued.
Cortez, son of former PBA player Mike, finished with 34 points laced by five triples on top of three rebounds and two steals.
Andrada (12), who hit the game-winning triple against reigning champion EcoOil-La Salle and Alfaro (10), who connected a miracle trey with 0.5 seconds left versus Letran, supported Cortez.
No team was able to create wide separation in the back-and-forth duel until the thrilling ender, where Cortez broke a 64-all deadlock on a transition bucket.
Perpetual, which scored its first two wins in blowout fashion, had a slew of chances to tie or even win the game none bigger than Cyrus Nitura’s two free throws in the last 12 seconds.
Unfortunately, he missed both as his 22 points went for naught in the first defeat of the Altas, who grabbed a crucial board in the waning seconds off the efforts of Mark Omega but weren’t able to throw in a game-tying attempt as time ran out.
The Scores:
Marinero-San Beda 66 – Cortez 34, Andrada 12, Alfaro 10, Gallego 4, Payosing 3, Puno 2, Cuntapay 1, Tagle 0, Llarena 0, Royo 0, Jopia 0.
Perpetual 64 – Nitura 22, Razon 7, Barcoma 6, Omega 6, Abis 6, Pagaran 5, Boral 3, Ramirez 3, Roque 3, Cuevas 2, Nunez 1, Sevilla 0.
Quarterscores: 14-15, 31-30, 45-50, 66-64
