MANILA – The Marinerong Pilipino Skippers moved closer to its first-ever title in the PBA D-League. It defeated BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare Saints, 69-59, in Game 1 of the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup finals yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Adven Diputado tallied 12 points and four rebounds while Eliud Poligrates and William McAloney added nine markers apiece.
The Skippers, which surged to a 1-0 edge in the best-of-three title series, waxed hot early in the opening period behind Diputado, Jhonard Clarito and McAloney for a 23-10 lead.
The Saints came up with a run in the second but hits from Jordan Rios and Santillan extended the Skippers’ edge to 43-24 at the half.
Early in the third quarter, the Skippers were still clinging to a 45-30 edge after a basket by Negrense Mark Yee when the Saints went on a run to cut the deficit to 13. However, conversions from McAloney and John Byron Villarias gave Marinero a 54-41 edge.
The Saints made its last push in the final period. It cut the deficit to as low as 57-64. But the Skippers responded with a triple from Diputado and free throws from Santillan to seal the victory.
“Yun ang naging problema namin before at lumabas ulit (losing huge leads),” said Skippers head coach Yong Garcia. “Dapat pagdating ng Game 2 hindi kami dapat parang rollercoaster. Dapat mag-stick kaimi sa game plan.”
For the losing Saints, Jhaps Bautista top-scored with 17 points while Malian import Mohammed Pare added double-double 14 points and 12 rebounds./PN
