PBA D-League: Marinerong Pilipino recovers to turn back SMDC-NU

Marinerong Pilipino regrouped after blowing a big lead to beat SMDC-National University, 86-71, in the 2019 PBA D-League Tuesday at Paco Arena in Manila.

The Skippers lost a 21-point lead in the third quarter before reestablishing it in the final frame thanks to a 15-2 surge that extended their lead back to 21, 84-63, with two minutes left.

Santi Santillan powered Marinerong Pilipino with 18 points and 13 rebounds while Anton Asistio added 14 points built on three triples.

“That’s the Anton Asistio and Santi Santillan that we’re looking for,” said head coach Yong Garcia in Filipino. “They give Marinero the experience we need.”

John Galinato paced SMDC-NU (0-2) with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Shaun Ildefonso had 16 points, three boards, and two assists.

The Bulldogs were down by just eight, 69-61, early in the fourth before the Skippers broke the game wide open.