ELOY Poligrates was a man possessed on Monday, exploding for a record-setting 67 points as Marinerong Pilipino bludgeoned iWalk by 44 points, 141-97, in the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The charismatic Cebuano guard shot 11-of-25 from deep while also gathering five assists and two rebounds as the Skippers locked up a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals by improving to 5-0 (win-loss) in Group A.
Poligrates' sizzling performance broke the old record for most points in a D-League game of 58 points set by James Martinez with AMA back in the 2016 Aspirants Cup in a 125-76 win over Topstar ZC Mindanao.
"Nakita namin 'yung score ni Poli, sabi namin kayang abutan yung record ni James. Binigyan namin siya ng chance na habulin at sobrang ganda ng laro niya. Sobrang ganda ng gising ni Poli," said coach Yong Garcia.
The Camotes Island native already had 15 points in the first quarter as he set the tone for Marinerong Pilipino's quick-fire 31-20 start.
He continued to sizzle in the ensuing frames, as the Skippers built the lead to as much as 47 points, 122-75, midway through the fourth period.
JR Alabanza and Rev Diputado both had 11 points for Marinerong Pilipino, which set up a titanic clash against Centro Escolar University for solo leadership of the group on September 9.
Wowie Escosio led iWalk (2-3) with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Bernie Bregondo had 15 points in the loss.
The scores:
MARINERONG PILIPINO 141 -- Poligrates 67, Diputado 11, Alabanza 11, McAloney 10, Yee 8, Arim 8, Jamon 7, Rios 6, Clarito 5, Solis 4, Reverente 2, Ilagan 2, Sara 0, Juanico 0.
IWALK 97 -- Escosio 23, Bregondo 15, Belencion 14, Ax. Inigo 11, Ac. Inigo 9, Canada 8, Koga 7, Cruz 4, Parker 4, Lozada 2.
Quarters: 31-20, 63-36, 102-61, 141-97.
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