MARINERONG Pilipino-San Beda University turned its desire to redeem itself from a sorry loss the last time out to game against defending champion EcoOil-La Salle yesterday.
Peter Alfaro boomed what turned out to be the game-winning three-pointer that lifted the Red Lions to a pulsating 82-79 decision over the Green Archers for their first win in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Mirroring a near meltdown anew, Alfaro played the hero’s role and knocked down the clutch triple off a Yukien Andrada assist in the last 3.9 seconds.
Jacob Cortez showed the way for Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda with 19 points, to go with three rebounds, while Andrada chipped in 18 markers, four boards and two dimes.
Alfaro also finished with 10 and two for the Lions.
The triumph atoned for Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda’s numbing 92-94 defeat to Philippine Sports Performance six days ago and improved to 1-1 in a tie with EcoOil-La Salle and the Gymers.
The Archers came off a 84-62 dumping of Centro Escolar University last Thursday.“The boys really wanted to win. Nakita naman sa effort and focus nila,” Lions coach Yuri Escueta said.
“Last game’s defeat was heartbreaking, but I always tell them to move on. Next play na kami so ito ngayon, they showed that character,” he added.
In the other game, Perpetual Help debuted in the tourney on a high, scoring a 93-82 victory over PSP.
Arthur Roque fired 27 points, pulled down 10 caroms, and issued two feeds for the Altas, while Cyrus Nitura added 16 markers.
Skipper Jielo Razon and Carlo Ferreras also had 13 each for Perpteual.
“We really need this win kasi dito magsisimula iyong journey namin all throughout the year,” Altas tactician Myk Saguiguit said. “Kumbaga, early warning samin and good thing, nanalo.”
Perpetual erupted for 32 points in the third canto that proved to be the big difference.
Jayvee Dela Cruz paced the Gymers with 23 points, while Val Acuña and Dariel Bayla got 16 and 15 markers, respectively.
Mark Nonoy carried the fight for EcoOil-La Salle with 24 points, while Kevin Quiambao tallied 20 markers, nine rebounds and three blocks.
The Archers missed the services of Michael and Ben Phillips due to their Gilas Pilipinas commitments.
