FOR the third straight time, Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda University walked the tightrope in the endgame. The Red Lions got the job done anew, this time at the expense of erstwhile unbeaten Perpetual Help.
Jacob Cortez scored on what turned out to be the game-winning layup in the last 20 seconds that powered the Lions to a thrilling 66-64 squeaker over the Altas yesterday for their third straight win in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig,
Cortez, the son of former PBA playmaker Mike, scattered 34 points spiked by five three-pointers, to go with three rebounds for Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda, while Yukien Andrada chipped in 12 markers.
Peter Alfaro also had 10 for the Lions, who came off a 90-87 escape over Wangs Basketball @27 Striker-Letran three days ago and hiked their mark to 3-1 for the solo lead.
Perpetual absorbed its first loss in three matches after dismantling Philippine Sports Performance 101-57 last Thursday.
“Well, I have to give it to our players for grinding it out. Hindi sila sumuko even though we’re down,” Lions coach Yuri Escueta said. “Ito naman iyong gusto namin kaya kami nag-D-League, para masanay sa mga dikdikang laro.”
“Hats off to Perpetual. We know how good and tough they are. Pinaghandaan talaga namin,” he added.
In the other game, the Gymers blasted AMA Online 108-70 to get back on track.
Jayvee Dela Cruz led PSP with 24 points, two boards, and three assists, while Jolo Sumagaysay added 14 markers.
