by Ernest Hernandez
Pasigueno preserved a huge lead and edged Marikina, 72-64, in the Metro League Reinforced Conference at the STRIKE Gymnasium on Sunday.
Pasigueno stifled Marikina early on, limiting them to just 21 points in the first half and eventually leading by as much as 23, 49-26, in the third quarter.
The Shoelanders pulled off one brave run in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead down to six, 70-64, with 51 seconds left, but they could not sustain the push until the end.
Eugene Toba made 24 points, 15 rebounds, one assist, three blocks, and two steals for Pasigueno.
Ryusei Koga added 22 points, three rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
Jebson Po fired 22 points, two rebounds, three assists, and two steals for Marikina, which played sans Gerald Anderson.
Scores:
Pasigueno 72-Toba 24, Koga 22, Sorela 10, Gaco 5, Rodriguez 5, Gatchalian 4, Acodesin 2, Trinidad 0, Reyes 0, Gallano 0
Marikina 64-Po 22, Deles 11, Mabigat 10, Brown 10, Mendoza 5, Cano 3, Llabres 2, Basco 1, Gines 0, Gali 0, Zapanta 0, Vargas 0, Catipay 0
Quarterscores: 23-13, 34-21, 56-38, 72-64