Joseph Sedurifa. PBA IMAGES
Batangas held off newcomer Marinerong Pilipino late to escape with a 92-82 victory Tuesday in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
Joseph Sedurifa led the assault for the Batangueños with 17 points, four assists, and three rebounds, while Cedric de Joya chipped in 14 markers and four dimes.
Earvin Mendoza also went 3-of-6 from threes to wound up with 11.
“We really want to be known as a defensive team. I told them that we are not known for our offensive prowess, but hopefully, if we make it to the quarters, we would be known as a defensive team,” said Batangas coach Eric Gonzales.
The Batangueños slowly asserted their dominance and erected a 15-point lead, 81-66, with a Mendoza three with 6:44 left in the fourth quarter before the Seafarers made a late run and cut the deficit to eight, 90-82, with 1:57 to play.
Unfortunately, Dave Moralde committed an offensive foul which was followed by a costly turnover from Jeff Javillonar to take the fight out of Marinerong Pilipino late.
Pao Javelona paced Marinerong Pilipino with 18 points and four rebounds, while Julian Sargent chimed in 15 markers in the losing effort.
The Scores:
BATANGAS 92 – Sedurifa 17, De Joya 14, Mendoza 11, Ablaza 9, Anderson 8, Isit 8, Saitanan 7, Dela Pena 6, Ragasa 6, Bautista 2, Laude 2, Mangabang 2, Mag-isa 0, Napoles 0.
MARINERONG PILIPINO 82 – Javelona 18, Sargent 15, Javillonar 12, Inigo 10, Publico 10, Alabanza 7, Moralde 6, Isip 4, Nicholls 0, Meca 0, Marata 0, Lopez 0.
Quarters: 25-24, 49-43, 72-63, 92-82.