MARINERONG Pilipino hardly broke a sweat as it drowned Karate Kid-CEU by 36 points, 93-57, Monday in the 2020 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Juan Gomez de Liano caught fire early, firing 16 first half points to finish with 21, while also adding seven rebounds and four assists in the Skippers' early breakaway.
His explosion ignited Marinero's 20-5 start and sustained that streak to take the lead to its highest at 38, 71-33 in the third quarter.
"Masaya ako especially kay Juan dahil nag-take charge siya," said coach Yong Garcia of Gomez de Liano's performance.
His brother Javi also made his imprint with 18 points, five boards, and two blocks as the Skippers hardly felt the absence of Jamie Malonzo.
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Jordan Rios poured 15 points and five rebounds, as Dhon Reverente came alive in the second half, contributing all of his 13 points in the last two frames, on top of his eight boards and four steals.
"Masaya ako dahil sa pinakita nila ngayon. Ang dami pa naming kulang, pero talagang binigyan ko yung players ng go signal na i-enjoy yung game," said Garcia.
Karate Kid-CEU started off flat, shooting 1-of-18 in the first quarter as coach Jeff Napa suffered a rude welcome in his new team.
Jerie Pingoy topscored for the Scorpions with 13 points, as John Apacible had 10 points and nine rebounds in the defeat.
The Scores:
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MARINERONG PILIPINO 93 -- Ju. Gomez de Liano 21, Ja. Gomez de Liano 18, Rios 15, Reverente 13, Manday 8, Senining 6, Batino 4, Fuentes 2, Santos 2, Mangahas 2, Serrano 2, Solis 0.
KARATE KID-CEU 57 -- Pingoy 13, Apacible 10, Guinitaran 8, Bernabe 7, Arana 4, Intic 4, Diaz 3, Murrell 2, Taladua 2, Sunga 2, Carandang 2, Santos 0, Abastillas 0, Tagal 0, Espiritu 0.
Quarters: 20-7, 52-20, 71-37, 93-57.
