By Jonas Terrado

Game Today

(Cuneta Astrodome)

1 p.m. — Sumisip-St. Clare vs Marinerong Pilipino

(Marinerong Pilipino leads series 1-0)

Marinerong Pilipino goes for a historic sweep of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup and a first-ever crown at the expense of BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare in Game 2 today of the best-of-three finals at the Cuneta Astrodome.

St. Clare’s Joshua Fontanilla, right, chases to defend Marinero’s Eliud Poligrates (PBA Images)

History is also at stake in the 1 p.m. match as the Skippers look to equal the dual feat of the NLEX Road Warriors who went perfect during their title runs in the 2012 and 2014 Foundation Cups.

That chance appears to be likely after Marinero leaned on a hot start before its defense prevented Sumisip-St. Clare from completing a 19-point comeback in taking the series opener 69-59 last Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Coach Yong Garcia, however, is far from convinced that it is safe to bring out the broom.

“Mahirap dahil talagang nakita naman natin na best effort din binibigay ng Basilan, maganda rin ang adjustment nila,” said Garcia.

Eloy Poligrates, John Villarias and Jhonard Clarito are expected to lead Marinero’s quest to get the 11-game sweep, but key will also be the performances of Rev Diputado, Santi Santillan and Will McAloney.

Diputado was the only player in double figures in Game 1 with 12 points while Santillan and McAloney were also key on both ends.

Standing in their Skippers’ way are the Saints, who plan to produce a better showing this time.

Crucial for coach Stevenson Tiu’s bid to force a deciding third game on Monday at the Paco Arena in Manila is center Mohammad Pare’s ability to avoid foul trouble.

Pare was forced to sit most of the first half due to two quick fouls. But the Malian big man sparked the second half rally that fell short due to costly turnovers.

Jhaps Bautista and Joshua Fontanilla will also be instrumental for Sumisip-St. Clare.

“Sabi naman namin, it’s not the end of the world at meron pa namang Game 2,” said Tiu. “We have to take it one game at a time and see what happens. Hopefully, baka sakali maka-isa kami.”

Tags: 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup , BRT Sumisip-St.Clare , Eloy Poligrates , Jhonard Clarito , John Villarias , Marinerong Pilipino , PBA D-League , PBA D-League Foundation Cup , Rev Diputado , Santi Santillan , St. Clare , Stevenson Tiu , Will McAloney , Yong Garcia