Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda found their rhythm in the third quarter and cruised to a 127-67 victory over Keanzel Basketball on Monday in the quarterfinals of the 2024 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Filoil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
Nygel Gonzales led the charge with 17 points, supported by six teammates who scored in double digits for the Red Lions.
While they asserted dominance early on, it was a decisive third-quarter surge that ultimately subdued their determined opponents.
Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda now advances to the semifinals to face the Centro Escolar University Scorpions, who handed them their first loss in the tournament.
In the other bracket, Go Torokku-St. Clare capitalized on a strong first half to overcome CCI-Yengskivel with a score of 114-106.
Top-seeded and two-time defending champion EcoOil-La Salle awaits Go Torakku-St. Clare in the next round, with the best-of-three series commencing on Thursday.
“Welcome situation for us ‘yung tough loss namin against CEU. I want to see how we will react in the semis,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta on their rematch against the Scorpions.
Despite initially building a commanding lead, Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda faced a resilient challenge from Keanzel Basketball, led by Denzel Jensen Wong’s impressive shooting.
Wong’s 16-point contribution in the second quarter narrowed the gap to 39-33 before halftime.
“Di kami nakaka-shoot ‘nung umpisa but our shots finally fell sa second half and we’re able to make stops,” explained Escueta, reflecting on the game and looking forward to their semifinal clash.
A 17-8 run by San Beda at the start of the third quarter effectively sealed the victory, extending their lead to 60-41. By the end of the third period, they had surged ahead to 82-51.
While Go Torokku-St. Clare initially appeared poised for an easy win with a 15-point halftime lead, CCI-Yengskivel refused to capitulate.
The determined effort from Jhone Amansec, Kenneth Tener, and Julius Ervin Valderama brought them within four points, trailing 47-43 heading into the final quarter.
However, Go Torokku-St. Clare asserted their dominance in the end, led by Megan Galang, Ndong Babacar, Charles Bryan Burgos, and Luz Tapenio, securing a victory over CCI-Yengskivel.
Alfred Gayosa contributed 26 points for Keanzel Basketball, while Wong added 18 in their final game of the campaign, ending without a win in six matches.
The Scores:
First Game:
Go Torraku-St.Clare 114 – Galang 19, Burgos 14, Ndong 14, Tapenio 13, Estacio 12, de Guzman 10, Russel 10, Sual 9, Decano 7, Yu 3, Cabauatan 3.
CCI-Yengskivel 106 – Amansec 19, Valderama 17, Buenaflor 16, Galvez 12, Tener 11, Nuarin 10, Guray 7, dela Cruz 6, Esguerra 6, Puzon 2, Laran 0, Palma 0, Dever 0.
Quarterscores: 27-16, 54-39, 87-83, 114-106.
Second Game:
Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda 127 – Gonzales 17, Tagala 14, Payosing 13, Celzo 13, Calimag RC 12, Tagle 10, Songcuya 10, Torres 8, Jalbuena 7, Estacio 5, Andrada 5, Royo 5, Puno 4, Sajonia 4, Calimag Richie 0.
Keanzel Basketball 67 – Gayosa 26, Wong 18, Ceniza 11, Panlilio 4, Baclig 3, Calacalsada 2, Villamor 2, Ibo 1, Romero 0, Alina 0, Advincula 0, Villaflor 0, Maurillo 0.
Quarterscores: 25-7, 43-33, 83-52, 127-67.
