Marinerong Pilipino clinches 1st PBA D-League semis berth

MANILA, Philippines — Marinerong Pilipino booked the first semifinal ticket after booting out AMA, 100-78, in the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup quarterfinals Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Eloy Poligrates led the six Skippers to notch double digits in scoring with 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals in the win that brought the Skippers back to the semis after missing the bus last conference.

Mark Yee produced 13 points and six rebounds, while JR Alabanza supplied 12 points and eight boards in the win.

Byron Villarias and Jhonard Clarito also had 11 points apiece as Rev Diputado added 10 markers for Marinerong Pilipino.

"Very thankful ako sa management dahil sa pagiging supportive nila, at sa players dahil tinrabaho nila 'tong laro na 'to kaya kami makakarating ng semifinals," said coach Yong Garcia.

From a narrow 17-14 lead in the opening quarter, Poligrates and Yee spearheaded a 15-0 blast to give the Skippers a 32-14 advantage early in the second frame to break the game wide open.

Marinerong Pilipino led by as many as 26, 68-42, after a Yee bucket with 4:49 left in the third canto before cruising on to the win.

"Masaya kami. Tatrabahuhin ulit namin yung semifinals para naman makarating kami sa Finals," said Garcia.

The Skippers now await the winner between Group B teams Technological Institute of the Philippines and Black Mamba Energy Drink for their foes in the best-of-three semis affair.

Aaron Black ended his PBA D-League campaign with 22 points, 4 rebounds, and five dimes to lead AMA.
Vince Tolentino had 13 points and five rebounds, while Andre Paras had 12 markers and 11 boards in the loss.

The Scores:
MARINERONG PILIPINO 100 -- Poligrates 19, Yee 13, Alabanza 12, Clarito 11, Villarias 11, Diputado 10, Reverente 8, McAloney 6, Santillan 4, Rios 4, Mangahas 2, Sara 0, Ilagan 0.

AMA 78 -- Black 22, Parcero 15, Tolentino 13, Paras 12, Fuentes 5, Alina 5, De Leon 4, Asuncion 2, Estibar 0, Catorce 0, Limpin 0, Austria 0.
Quarters: 24-14, 52-34, 75-49, 100-78.