MARINERONG Pilipino-San Beda bounced back in Game 2, whipping Wangs Basketball @27 Stikers-Letran, 74-51, on Tuesday to forge a rubber match in their 2023 PBA D-League semifinal series at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Red Lions waxed hot early, but this time there was no melting down and went on to stay alive in the best-of-three series.
Game 3 is on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig with the survivor earning a shot at reigning champion EcoOil-La Salle, which completed a sweep of its semifinal series against the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in the first game.
Peter Alfaro unloaded 20 points, five rebounds and four assists in 25 minutes of play to lead four players in double digits for the Red Lions, who blitzed to a 17-6 opener and led by as big as 27 points.
James Payosing and Jacob Cortez had 12 and 11 points, respectively, while Clifford Jopia turned in a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds for the Red Lions.
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"We have to give it to our players. We really gave emphasis on being composed and being smarter. The players made it a point to control the situation and they did. Hats off to them," said Red Lions coach Yuri Escueta.
San Beda blew a 24-point lead and lost, 93-87, in OT in Game 1 against Letran. This time though, the Red Lions made sure they wont succumb to pressure.
No player finished in twin digits for the Knights. Letran star Reyson managed just eight points a far cry from his 32 point effort in Game 1.(JBU)
The Scores:
Marinero-San Beda 74 - Alfaro 20, Payosing 12, Cortez 11, Jopia 11, Cuntapay 6, Visser 4, Royo 4, Gallego 2, Andrada 2, Puno 2, Teruel 0, Alloso 0.
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Wangs Strikers-Letran 51 - Tolentino 9, Reyson 8, Monje 8, Cuajao 6, Santos 4, Bojorcelo 4, Javillonar 3, Fajardo 3, Ariar 2, Brillantes 2, Morales 2, Laquindanum 0, Go 0, Guarino 0.
Quarterscores: 17-9, 34-26, 49-40, 74-51.
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