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Marinerong Pilipino fought back from 10-points down in the second half and frustrated Go for Gold, 86-80, for its fourth straight win Tuesday in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Pasig Sports Center.
Billy Robles came alive in the fourth period, firing six of his 18 points in the final 5:06 of the game as the Skippers recovered from a 49-39 deficit early in the third quarter.
He also hauled down 13 rebounds, dished out five assists, and got two steals and two blocks off the bench.
Renzo Subido also had 16 markers, six coming in the final frame, three boards, and two assists, while Alvin Pasaol had 13 points, three rebounds, and two dimes.
Gab Banal collected 12 markers, eight boards, four assists, and four steals, and Rian Ayonayon got nine for Marinerong Pilipino, which grabbed a share of the second spot at 5-2.
“We could not get our rhythm in the first half, but I’m happy that we stepped ip on the defensive end,” said coach Koy Banal.
The starters kept the Skippers above water before a telling 13-4 blast in the fourth quarter turned a 62-66 deficit into a commanding 75-70 lead.
Jerwin Gaco kept the Scratchers within the game late as his three-point play made it an 84-80 affair in the last 1:23, but Robles split his freebies and blocked Yankie Haruna on the other end to secure the win.
Gaco led Go for Gold (4-4) with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Matt Salem had 14 markers and five boards in the loss.
The Scores:
MARINERONG PILIPINO 86 — Robles 18, Subido 16, Pasaol 13, Banal 12, Ayonayon 9, Toth 6, Tratter 5, Babilonia 2, Lopez 2, Tolentino 2, Terso 1, Iñigo 0.
GO FOR GOLD 80 — Gaco 16, Salem 14, Alejandro 11, Gutang 9, Naboa 8, Dixon 7, Haruna 7, Casiño 4, Leutcheu 2, Pili 2, Domingo 0.
Quarters: 22-20, 37-43, 62-66, 86-80.