RIAN Ayonayon came up big in the fourth period as Marinerong Pilipino turned back Batangas-EAC, 92-78, in the PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Ayonayon dropped eight points in the crucial stretch, capped by a transition basket that gave the Skippers an 88-73 lead with 2:56 left.
He caught fire after the Generals came to within five, 73-78 early in the fourth period on Jerome Garcia's fadeaway jumper.
Ayonayon finished with 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Gab Banal had 17 points and nine boards, while Papot Paredes added 10 markers, 15 rebounds, and two blocks.
The Skippers arrested a two game skid and improved to a 2-2 record while handing the Generals their third loss in as many matches.
"After back-to-back losses, that’s what a team would want to happen next outing," Marinerong Pilipino coach Koy Banal.
"Good thing players listened and followed what we instructed. Pressured ka against a team that will keep on fighting."
Jeric Diego paced Batangas with 20 points.
The Scores:
MARINERONG PILIPINO 92 — Banal 17, Ayonayon 16, Pasaol 13, Iñigo 10, Paredes 10, Tolentino 8, Subido 7, Babilonia 4, Toth 3, Brill 2, Tratter 2, Lopez 0, Terso 0.
BATANGAS-EAC 78 — Diego 20, E. Mendoza 15, J. Bautista 11, Maguliano 11, De Joya 10, Garcia 6, Dela Peña 3, Altamirano 2, Laude 0, Martin 0, J. Mendoza 0, Neri 0, Pate 0, Tampoc 0.
Quarterscores: 32-13, 48-32, 71-62, 92-78.
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