Tanduay escapes Marinero's grit in D-League return

PBA (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--John Lopez thought he was set to send the game between Tanduay and Marinerong Pilipino into overtime.

But a blunder that quickly followed it spelled doom for the Skippers.

Tanduay heaved a sigh after a close 76-74 win against Marinero in their PBA D-League Foundation Cup meeting at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Lopez scored on an undergoal stab with 3.1 seconds left that tied the game, 74-all.

However, he was called for a technical foul afterward, and Lester Alvarez made the free throw to put the Rhum Masters back up, 75-74.

Dave Moralde had no choice but to foul Jaymo Eguilos, who split from the line for the final count.

With only 2.5 seconds left and no more timeout for the Skippers to utilize, Julian Sargent had to fire a desperation heave from way downtown that failed to go in.

“I’ll take the two-point win anytime. Maybe, we also need these kinds of games,” said Coach Lawrence Chongson afterward.

Alvarez finished with 15 points, one rebound, two assists, and one steal for Tanduay, which returned to play after taking a two-week break and moved up to 2-1.

Achie Iñigo fired 14 markers, seven rebounds, and five assists for Marinero, which slipped to 1-2.

Box Scores:

Tanduay 76-Alvarez 15, Eguilos 10, Palma 9, Vigil 9, Terso 8, Santos 6, Tambeling 6, Varilla 6, Taganas 4, Sollano 2, Gaco 1

Marinerong Pilipino 74-Iñigo 14, Sargent 10, Marata 9, Lopez 8, Isip 7, Javillonar 7, Moralde 7, Alabanza 5, Javelona 5, Gumaru 2, Nicholls 0, Publico 0

Quarterscores: 23-17, 41-39, 55-59, 76-74

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno