Marinerong Pilipino guard Juan Gomez de Liaño goes for a floater against EcoOil-La Salle in Game 1 of the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Finals at Araneta Coliseum. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Marinerong Pilipino gained an all-important headstart in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Finals after a hard-earned 72-67 win over EcoOil-La Salle on Sunday at Araneta Coliseum.
The Skippers relied on Juan Gomez de Liaño, who delivered in the endgame by hitting a floater for a 68-64 cushion with 13 seconds remaining.
“I just want to win. I also want to be a good role model and example to my teammates. I want to make my family and supporters proud because without them we wouldn’t be here,” de Liaño said after finishing the game with nine points, 14 rebounds and seven assists with four steals to boot.
Evan Nelle sank a triple to pull La Salle within one before Jollo Go buried two clutch free throws for Marinero to make it, 70-67, with 8.3 ticks to go. Nelle tried to answer back but he misfired on a potential game-tying 3-pointer.
The Skippers also drew a big game from Adrian Nocum, who led all scorers with 22 points. Go and Arvin Gamboa added 15 and 14, points respectively.
Adrian Nocum led Marinerong Pilipino, which shoots for the crown in Game 2 on Wednesday, with 22 points while Arvin Gamboa had 14.
DeSchon Winston continued to be La Salle’s anchor on offense with 21 points on three triples while CJ Austria tallied 15 points.