The Philippine Sports Performance made a debut to remember in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, battling back from a double-digit deficit to take down Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda, 94-92, on Thursday, April 27, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
*Ian Jay Yutuc saves the day for PSP. (PBA Images)*
The Gymers leaned on their veteran poise and experience as former PBA player Val Acuna and Ian Jay Yutuc drained two huge triples in the waning minutes as PSP completed its comeback from a double-digit deficit against the relatively younger and quicker Red Lions. Down by six points, 91-85, with less than three minutes left in the contest, PSP went to Acuna who first nailed an off-balance three-pointer to cut the Marinerong Pilipino lead down to just three. Richard Velchez scored on two more free throws for PSP to inch closer but Yutuc was called for a crucial foul on Jacob Cortez who then split his charities to keep a 92-90 lead. Making up for his earlier blunder, Yutuc then buried a well-contested right wing three-pointer to give the Gymers the lead 93-90 with 32 seconds left. Marinero came up dry in its final possessions and allowed PSP to come away with the gutsy win. Jayvee Dela Cruz led the way for the Gymers with 26 points, five rebounds and six assists as he kept his team afloat in the first half where they trailed by as many as 12 points. Yutuc added 16 points built on four triples while Dariel Bayla added 17. Acuna also contributed 15 points much to the delight of PSP’s star-studded coaching staff that has San Miguel Beer’s CJ Perez and Jericho Cruz and Magnolia’s Jackson Corpuz. Yukien Andrada paced Marinero with 19 points while Cliffor Jopia added a double-double of 15 points and 16 rebounds.
*Ian Jay Yutuc saves the day for PSP. (PBA Images)*
The Gymers leaned on their veteran poise and experience as former PBA player Val Acuna and Ian Jay Yutuc drained two huge triples in the waning minutes as PSP completed its comeback from a double-digit deficit against the relatively younger and quicker Red Lions. Down by six points, 91-85, with less than three minutes left in the contest, PSP went to Acuna who first nailed an off-balance three-pointer to cut the Marinerong Pilipino lead down to just three. Richard Velchez scored on two more free throws for PSP to inch closer but Yutuc was called for a crucial foul on Jacob Cortez who then split his charities to keep a 92-90 lead. Making up for his earlier blunder, Yutuc then buried a well-contested right wing three-pointer to give the Gymers the lead 93-90 with 32 seconds left. Marinero came up dry in its final possessions and allowed PSP to come away with the gutsy win. Jayvee Dela Cruz led the way for the Gymers with 26 points, five rebounds and six assists as he kept his team afloat in the first half where they trailed by as many as 12 points. Yutuc added 16 points built on four triples while Dariel Bayla added 17. Acuna also contributed 15 points much to the delight of PSP’s star-studded coaching staff that has San Miguel Beer’s CJ Perez and Jericho Cruz and Magnolia’s Jackson Corpuz. Yukien Andrada paced Marinero with 19 points while Cliffor Jopia added a double-double of 15 points and 16 rebounds.