Just like in the last UAAP season, the Maroons find themselves with a 2-0 lead again.
UP QRS/JAM Liner stayed unscathed in the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, trumping Tanduay, 102-86 Tuesday at Ynares Sports Arena.
Drawing huge contributions from the whole squad, the Maroons tore the Rhum Masters apart, breaking away to a 98-77 lead in the final two minutes of the game courtesy of a 15-4 run.
“Di pa 100-yung pinapakita ng team, pero 80-percent nagbe-blend na yung mga bago sa team. Yung depensa namin, yun ang nape-perfect na nila,” said UP QRS/JAM Liner coach Bert dela Rosa, who dedicated the win to team consultant Joe Ward. The American mentor collapsed Monday night and was taken to Capitol Medical Center for further evaluation.
Kevin Ferrer paced the Maroons with 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Paul Desidero got 16 markers.
Michole Sorela also had 12 points and seven boards, and Kyle Neypes got 12 in the win.
“Basta naglalaro lang kami at ine-enjoy lang yung laro. Wala namang pressure kasi malalakas din yung mga kalaban. Basta pagtatrabahuan namin yung bawat game namin,” said Ferrer.
Ryan Wetherell once again topscored for Tanduay (0-2) with 19 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Joseph Eriobu had 13 markers.
The Scores:
UP QRS/ JAM LINER 102 – Ferrer 19, Desiderio 16, Neypes 12, Sorela 12, Aguilar 9, Soyud 9, Batino 8, Baloria 6, Moralde 6, Alolino 3, Harris 2, Asilum 0, Dario 0, Vito 0.
TANDUAY 86 – Wetherell 19, Eriobu 13, Gotladera 12, Celda 9, Javillonar 9, Belencion 8, Pessumal 5, Lingganay 4, Llagas 4, Koga 3, Santos 0, Tagarda 0.
Quarters: 21-13, 37-34, 74-63, 102-86.