Marinero spills Tanduay in D-League semis race

Games Tomorrow (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City) 3 p.m. – CEU vs Flying V 5 p.m. – Cignal vs Marinerong Pilipino

Marinerong Pilipino’s self-described miracle run continued last night after coming back from a 10-point deficit entering the fourth quarter to stun Tanduay in a dramatic finish, 6564, and advance to the semifinals of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Fil-American Robbie Herndon scored on a tip-in with 2:14 left for the eventual game-winner, then grabbed a crucial offensive rebound to set up an incredible display of passing by the Skippers in the final 10 seconds that denied the Rhum Masters a chance to go for a foul.

The Skippers and their rowdy supporters celebrated as if they won a championship after erasing the Rhum Masters’ twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals and arranging a bestof-three semis duel with the Aspirants’ Cup champion Cignal HD Hawkeyes.

“The doubt was setting in sa start, but we’ve been in this kind of situation. Down the stretch, when they went up, we were able to get a basket again. We were able to make a stop,” said Marinerong Pilipino coach Koy Banal after winning their seventh straight game, most coming in grit-like fashion.

While Herndon made the key plays, it was Renzo Subido who was mainly responsible for the comeback as he scored all of his 11 points in the early stages of the fourth that saw the Skippers unleash a 17-2 run that turned a 56-46 deficit into a 63-58 lead with barely five minutes left.

But former PBA veteran Jerwin Gaco refused to quit for the Rhum Masters as he scored six straight points. A drive from Lester Alvarez put Tanduay ahead, 64-63, with 2:50 to go.

Marinero’s John Lopez had a chance to put his team back in front, only to miss two free throws. However, redemption came quickly as Herndon scored after those bungled charities to put the Skippers in front for good.

A series of defensive stops set the stage for the thrilling ending, with Marinero’s Achie Iñigo missing a running shot that Herndon recovered. The Skippers would then spread out, making quick passes that made futile the Rhum Masters’ effort to foul and stop the clock.

“Good thing sa last possession, nakuha naming offensive rebound and nag-spread out kami,” said Banal.

Gaco finished with 17 points for Tanduay, which bowed out despite finishing third in the eliminations and entering the quarters series against the sixth-ranked Marinero with twice-to-beat edge.