MARINERONG Pilipino-San Beda hacked out another escape act with a slim 66-64 win over erstwhile unbeaten University of Perpetual Help System Dalta to grab the solo lead in the PBA Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena yesterday.

After Peter Alfaro and Yukien Andrada, Jacob Cortez took his turn this time in rescuing the Red Lions after draining the game-winning lay-up in the last 20 seconds.

“Well, I have to give it to our players for grinding it out. Hindi sila sumuko even though we’re down. Ito naman ‘yung gusto namin kaya kami nag-DLeague, para masanay sa mga dikdikang laro,” said coach Yuri Escueta after Marinero-San Beda racked up its third straight win after an opening day loss.

The Altas slipped to 2-1.

“Hats off to Perpetual. We know how good and tough they are. Pinaghandaan talaga namin.”

Earlier, Philippine Sports Performance overwhelmed AMA Online, 108-70, to check a two-game skid.

Cortez, son of former PBA player Mike, finished with 34 points laced by five triples on top of three rebounds and two steals, while Yukien Andrada added 12 points for the Red Lions.

Cyrus Nitura had 22 points but missed two key free throws late in the game that could have turn things around for the Altas.

The Gymers cut the Titans down to size in the fourth quarter, limiting them to only 10 points to run away with a 38-point win and get back on the track at 2-2.

All but one of the 15 players scored for PSP led by Jayvee Dela Cruz with 24 points on six triples.

Jolo Sumagaysay and Dariel James Bayla had 14 and 10 points, respectively for the Gymers.

After stunning Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda in its season opener, PSP bowed to Perpetual and reigning champion EcoOil-La Salle before regaining its winning ways.

“Dalawang sunod na beses na kaming talo kaya pinaghandaan talaga namin itong game para makabawi. Ang dami namang turnovers at offensive rebounds allowed noong first half kaya nag-adjust kami lalo na sa depensa sa second half,” said Gymers assistant coach Jonathan  Macaranas.

Earl Ceniza, with 15 points, led the fight but AMA still dropped to its third straight blowout loss.

The scores:

First Game

PSP (108) – Dela Cruz 24, Sumagaysay 14, Bayla 10, Yutuc 8, Olegario 8, Velchez 7, Castillo 7, Cesista 5, Acuña 5, Meneses 5, Gabriel 5, Sansano 4, Dino 4, Quinga 2.

AMA Online (70) – Ceniza 15, Fernandez 9, Yambao 6, Alina 6, Panlilio 5, Ibo 5, Del Rosario 5, Baclig 5, Camay 4, Silvarez 3, Cantorna 3, Romero 2, Dela Rosa 2, Cruz 0.

Quarterscores: 31-17, 49-41, 74-60, 108-70

Second Game

Marinero-San Beda (66) – Cortez 34, Andrada 12, Alfaro 10, Gallego 4, Payosing 3, Puno 2, Cuntapay 1, Tagle 0, Llarena 0, Royo 0, Jopia 0.

Perpetual (64) – Nitura 22, Razon 7, Barcoma 6, Omega 6, Abis 6, Pagaran 5, Boral 3, Ramirez 3, Roque 3, Cuevas 2, Nunez 1, Sevilla 0.

Quarterscores: 14-15, 31-30, 45-50, 66-64