By: Aulyn Gwen Bergado
Wangs-Letran in a fierce Battle with the Marinerong Pilipino only July 15, 2022. Photo Courtesy of the Philippine Inquirer.
Wangs–Letran survived a late game scare as they escaped Marinerong Pilipino, hacking out a nail-biting 70-64 decision at the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup earlier today at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
This victory gave Letran a clean 3-0 slate in the standings, while Marinerong Pilipino falls to 2-1.
Brent Paraiso spearheaded the Knights with 14 markers, five boards and two assists, while flexing a 5/12 shooting on the floor. He was backstopped by Kurt Reyson who also tallied 14, on top of eight rebounds and two steals.
Kobe Monje also stood up for the Knights, charging in 13 solid points, while Letran frontline Louie Sangalang and Pao Javillonar scattered nine and eight, respectively.
Marinerong Pilipino opened the match with a commendable offense which gave them a clean 17-12 advantage, but the Knights provided to their lofty billing, unleashing a 12-0 run to turn the tables in their favor, 27-17.
The Knights’ steady defense limited the Skippers to only six points in the second frame, having an eight-point cushion before going to half time, 31-23.
The defending NCAA champions extended the gap to as much as 17 points, with Reyson churning out 11 markers and two three-point shots, all in the third canto.
Former UP standout Juan Gomez de Liano canned a trey and made a free-throw, tying the match at 58-all with 2 minutes left in the game.
Letran leaned on Paraiso's huge three pointer and Sangalang’s timely lay-up, heroically pulling the Knights away from the tie, 67-62.
Jollo Go led Marinerong Pilipino with 20 points while getting ample help from Arvin Gamboa who cashed in 11 of his own.
PBA D-League matches are broadcasted live on One Sports and on PBA Rush.
Wangs-Letran – Paraiso 14, Reyson 14, Monje 13, Sangalang 9, Javillonar 8, Caralipio 7, Bataller 3 , Olivario 2, Tolentino 0.
Marinerong Pilipino – Go 20, Gamboa 11, Gomez de Liano 10, Bonifacio 9, Carino 6, Nocum 5 Bonsubre 3, Pido 0, Hernandez 0, Garcia , Lacap , Agustin 0.
Quarter scores: 12-17, 31-23, 54-37, 70-64.