MANILA – Eliud Poligrates ignited for a league-record 67 points as the Marinerong Pilipino Skippers cruised to a 141-97 win over IWalk Chargers in the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the San Juan Arena.
The Cebuano guard sizzled with 11 triples on Monday for his record-setting feat that broke the existing record of 58 points by James Martinez of AMA Titans back in the 2016 Aspirants Cup.
“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 Skippers head coach Yong Garcia.
Poligrates was already scorching in the opening period with 15 points. The Skippers jumped to a 31-20 advantage before continuing it the rest of the match.
The lead reached its largest at 47 points midway through the fourth period.
Jhon Rey Alabanza and Rev Diputado chipped in 11 points each.
The Skippers secured a playoffs spot with the lopsided win. It now has a 5-0 win-loss record on top of Group A.
On the other hand, as the Chargers slumped to a 2-3 win-loss record Wowie Escosio tallied double-double 23 points and 10 rebounds. Bernie Bregondo had 15 points while Ilonggo Jaypee Belencion had 14.
Meanwhile, Asia’s Lashes Tomas Morato Soldiers closed in on a playoff spot with a 108-98 victory over Hazchem.
Martinez fired 22 points on a 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc, to go with five assists and two rebounds to lead the Soldiers./PN
