AFTER three tries, Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda University finally put one over Centro Escolar University yesterday.
The Red Lions turned back the Scorpions 84-76 in Game 2 of their best-of-3 semifinal showdown in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda nearly squandered a 22-point lead before getting its act together down the stretch to keep alive its hopes of a return stint in the Big Dance.
A vicious 12-3 run capped by a booming three-pointer by Richie Calimag’s booming trey in the waning minutes sealed the deal for the Lions.
The Scorpions charged back from a massive deficit at the half to pull within 66-68 after Franz Diaz’s trey.
“Sabi ko sa boys, one win lang. Let’s just make us believe that we can beat them,” Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda coach Yuri Escueta said. “I just challenged them to play better, harder and smarter. Playing in this kind of close game is a good challenge for us.
“These games test our composure and mental toughness. Gusto ko lahat sila maka-handle ng ganitong pressure,” he added.
The Red Lions went winless against CEU in their first two meetings this conference— a 63-72 defeat in the eliminations to miss out on an outright semis slot and a 71-75 heartbreaker in Game 1 of the race-to-2 series last Thursday.
