Skippers determined to get over the hump

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FOILED in its maiden stint in the Big Dance three years ago, Marinerong Pilipino is determined than ever to get over the hump.

“I think we have a huge chance of winning the championship in this tournament,” Skippers ace guard Juan Gomez de Liaño said.

“Grabe iyong preparations namin and we’re excited facing La Salle in the finals,” he added.
Gomez de Liaño spoke in lieu of Marinerong Pilipino coach Yong Garcia after the Skippers’ 69-64 victory over Apex Fuel-San Sebatian College two days ago in Game 3 of their best-of-3 semifinals duel to gain a finals slot in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.

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Marinerong Pilipino will take on EcoOil-La Salle in the best-of-3 title showdown in the season-opening tourney.

Game 1 of the race-to-2 series is on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ths Skippers reached the finals of the same tilt for the first time after losing to BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare in the Foundation Cup in 2019.

Aside from Gomez de Liaño, the likes of Jollo Go, Warren Bonifacio, Rence Nocum, Arvin Gamboa, and AC Soberano are expected to lead Marinerong Pilipino’s voyage.

“I wanted to close it out already (in Game 2). I wanted to have rest to be ready for the finals,” Gocmez de Liaño said. “We can’t lose in this game no matter what happens. It’s about having the right mindset every game.”

The Green Archers are as eager as the Skippers.

EcoOil-La Salle strategist Derrick Pumaren called the shots for a Centro Escolar University squad that bowed to Cignal HD-Ateneo in the finals of the same meet three years ago.

Kevin Quiambao, CJ Austria, Michael Phillips, Evan Nelle, Mark Nonoy, and Schonny Winston will be counted upon by the Taft-based cagers.

The Skippers clobbered the Archers 84-64 in their eliminations duel last July 12.

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