Skippers rip Gamboa 5, edge closer to quarterfinals

MANILA, Philippines - Marinerong Pilipino sizzled from quartercourt as it disposed of Gamboa Coffee Mix, 138-69, to move a win away from clinching a quarterfinal berth in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig yesterday.

The Skippers drained 14 treys to break away from a close game in the first 14 minutes and fashion out the 69-point romp, the second biggest winning margin next to Tanduay’s 76-point rout of Zark’s Jawbreakers two weeks ago.

It was Marinero’s fourth straight victory as it improved to 5-4 but remained at sixth.

Tanduay, meanwhile, boosted its bid for an outright semis seat as it blasted AMA Online Education, 91-80, in the other game.

Lester Alvarez and Von Tambeling combined in a furious third quarter run as the Rhum Masters cut loose from a 46-44 count. Renz Palma then took charge in the fourth as Tanduay picked up its fourth win in a row to tie idle Cignal HD at second with 7-2 slates.

Tanduay needs to win its final assignment over Racal Motors on Thursday and hope for the Hawkeyes loss against Centro Escolar University today to snatch the outright semis berth.

Unbeaten newcomer Flying V is a cinch for the first semis seat with an 8-0 mark.

Pao Javelona went six-for-six, including four triples, to finish with 16 points, three assists and two rebounds while seven others put in double figures for the Skippers.