FOR the second straight game, Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda University got the job done yesterday– thanks to a game-winner.
Yukien Andrada banged in a clutch three-pointer in the last 0.5 seconds that lifted the Red Lions to a nail-biting 90-87 escape over reigning three-time NCAA titlist Wangs Basketball @27 Striker-Letran in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at The Arena in San Juan.
Andrada knocked down a wild triple from the left elbow off a perfect inbounds pass from skipper Peter Alfaro that spoiled the coaching debut of Knights tactician Rensy Bajar.
Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda also stunned defending champion EcoOil-LaSalle 92-89 on Alfaro’s late-second trey seven days ago.
Jacob Cortez showed the way for the Lions with 23 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Andrada added 15 markers and four boards.
Aaron James Royo also had 13 for the wards of strategist Yuri Escueta, who gave plaudits to Bajar and Wangs Basketball @27 Striker-Letran.
“Hats off to coach Rensy, even though bagong appoint pa lang siya, na-prepare niya iyong team. Nawala iyong mga key players ng Letran pero iyong mga naiwan, kita mo naman,” Escueta, whose team improved to 2-1, said. “Kapag San Beda-Letran talaga, you have to be ready for a tough game.”
“I have to give also to our boys. Pinagalitan namin sila at halftime and they responded. It’s a tough game but a win is a win on the lucky shot of Yukien,” he added.
In the other game, Centro Escolar University blasted AMA Online 107-68 for its first win.
Vince Ferrer fired 18 points for the Scorpions, while Anjord Cabotaje had 16 markers.
Victor Balogun also added 15 markers, 10 caroms and two blocks as CEU made up for a 62-84 whipping at the hands of the Green Archers last April 27 for a 1-1 mark.
