Skippers overpower AMA Titans

Forward Jorey Napoles put on a strong debut performance yesterday as Marinerong Pilipino turned back AMA Online Education, 95-83, for an auspicious start in the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The 6-foot-4 Napoles made his presence felt on both ends with 25 points on 11-of-17 shooting on top of 15 rebounds and five blocks as the new-look Skippers passed their initial test with flying colors in the season-ending tournament despite losing vital cogs such as Rian Ayonayon, Alvin Pasaol, Renzo Subido, and Abu Tratter.

Touted Fil-Am guard Trevis Jackson finished with 13 points, spiked by three triples, while Senegalese center Papa Ndiaye, a teammate of Napoles at Technological Institute of the Philippines, added 11 points and 15 rebounds for Marinerong Pilipino, which took control in the second period and led by as many as 21 points.

Franky Johnson scored 13 points while University of the Philippines forward Javi Gomez De Liaño had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds as they provided the spark off the bench for the Skippers.

“Hindi na masyadong nahirapan ‘yung players mag-adjust. They know each other and although they are young, what we have is a solid team,” said Marinerong Pilipino coach Koy Banal.

Irvin Palencia registered18 points while top rookie pick Owen Graham added 11 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks, but those all went for naught with the Titans’ loss.

In the other game, veteran James Martinez tallied 18 points off the bench as Go for Gold defeated Batangas-Emilio Aguinaldo College, 88-75, to gain a share of the early lead.