PBA IMAGES
Jerrick Ahanmisi saved his best for last as he steered Akari-Adamson to a huge 80-75 come-from-behind victory over Marinerong Pilipino Thursday in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Fil-Nigerian guard had the crucial steal and go-ahead assist to Simon Camacho’s and-one play with 10.9 ticks to play before sealing the victory with two freebies .
Ahanmisi, the younger brother of Rain or Shine playmaker Maverick, pumped life into Akari-Adamson, which was behind by 10, 21-31, early in the game as he shot 4-of-8 from downtown to end up with 23 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Sean Manganti added 13 markers, three boards, two assists, and two blocks, while Jerom Lastimosa had nine points in the win.
“I don’t know if they underestimated us because we’re a college team, but we’re here to prove something and show that we can compete,” said coach Franz Pumaren of the conference-opening win.
The Falcons were able to weather the early drought after going 8-of-18 from beyond the arc.
Renzo Subido still tried to tie the game at 78 in the waning seconds, but his triple went way short.
Billy Robles topped Marinerong Pilipino (1-1) with 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks, while Kyle Toth shot a perfect 3-of-3 from threes to wound up with 11 markers and four boards in the loss.
The Scores:
AKARI-ADAMSON 80 — Ahanmisi 23, Manganti 13, Lastimosa 9, Catapusan 8, Mojica 7, Hill 6, Buenaventura 4, Sarr 4, Camacho 3, Longalong 3, Bernardo 0, Lojera 0, Macion 0,
MARINERONG PILIPINO 75 — Robles 13, Toth 11, Subido 9, Terso 9, Paredes 8, Tratter 8, Ayonayon 4, Banal 4, Babilonia 3, Lopez 2, Pasaol 2, Tolentino 2, Iñigo 0, Olivares.
Quarters: 19-26, 42-48, 63-65, 80-75.