ZARKS Burger -Lyceum overcame poor shooting from the free throw line, outlasting Marinerong Pilipino in overtime, 90-87, in Game One of the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup semifinals on Tuesday at the Pasig Sports Complex.
Mike Nzeusseu made two big plays down the stretch, stopping what could have been a go-ahead basket from Gab Banal before capping the game off with a dunk with three seconds left.
The Jawbreakers had a chance to win in regulation but CJ Perez missed two free throws with four ticks left, sending the match into extension.
"Again, I dont know how they do it, but these guys just dont know how to quit. We just keep persisting and they are not giving up. For our growth we'll learn a lot from this," said Topex Robinson.
"At first na-intimidate sila but they kept on playing," he added
Billy Ray Robles turned out to be the hero for the Skippers in regulation as he scored the game-tying putback with 23.1 seconds left before swatting away MJ Ayaay's game-winning attempt.
He then scored back to back baskets to open the overtime period but the Jawbreakers scored seven straight to set the stage for Nzeusseu's heroics.
Nzeusseu led Zarks with 20 points and nine boards while JC Marcelino also scored 20.
Wilson Baltazar scored 15 on five triples as Perez added 14 points and 11 boards.
Rian Ayonayon led Marinero with 22 points and 11 rebounds as Banal added 18 points and nine boards.
The scores:
Zarks-Lyceum 90 — Jc. Marcelino 20, Nzeusseu 20, Baltazar 15, Perez 14, Jv. Marcelino 10, Ayaay 6, Caduyac 4, Serrano 1, Cinco 0, Ibañez 0, Tansingco 0, Yong 0.
Marinerong Pilipino 87 — Ayonayon 22, Banal 18, Pasaol 12, Robles 11, Tratter 10, Toth 6, Babilonia 4, Iñigo 2, Terso 2, Eboña 0, Miranda 0, Tolentino 0.
Quarterscores: 23-20; 35-43; 59-65; 81-81; 90-87.
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