By Ivan Saldajeno
QUEZON CITY--Marikina banked on a solid second quarter to turn back GenSan, 88-81, at the start of the MPBL Datu Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday night.
In a battle of expansion franchises, the Shoemasters bounced back from a slow start and outscored the Warriors, 33-12, in the second quarter to open a 49-33 halftime lead.
Marikina would lead by as high as 21, which was enough for the team to hold on despite GenSan putting a gallant stand in the second half.
Yves Sazon dropped six triples en route to a career-high 33 points for Marikina with 10 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block.
Erwin Sta. Maria added 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Ato Ular came up with 11 markers, 15 boards, one dime, one block, and one steal.
Leomar Losentes chipped in 18 points, three rebounds, and six dimes, while Chris Masaglang made 17 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block for GenSan.
Ervic Vijandre saw action for GenSan and made five markers, while fellow actor Gerald Anderson did not suit up for Marikina.
Box Scores:
Marikina 88-Sazon 33, Sta. Maria 18, Ular 11, Mescallando 7, Ng Sang 7, Ybanez 5, Baetiong 4, Do 3, Gonzales 0, Butel 0, Roy 0, Mendoza 0, Catipay 0, Deles 0, Bautista 0
GenSan 81-Losentes 18, Masaglang 17, Orbeta 15, Mahaling 10, Yusop 6, Vijandre 5, Basco 4, Demafelis 3, Villaruel 2, Goloran 1, Clavel 0, Racho 0, Morada 0, Bartolo 0, Autor 0
Quarterscores: 16-21, 49-33, 66-52, 88-81
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