Team Marianas’ Jack Aranda pulls up for the fadeaway shot against the CK Saints in a Michelob Ultra Cup game at the Ada gym.
TEAM Marianas secured their seat in the finals of the Michelob Ultra Cup 2023 after powering past New Chang Ming, 100-86, Sunday at the Ada gym.
It was a do-or-die battle, but Team Marianas proved to be hungrier for a shot at the title.
Coby Santos acted as the sparkplug for Team Marianas as he scored their first six points. The rest of the squad quickly followed suit with long-range buckets led by Jack Aranda at the frontline with two triples while Eli Garcia and Santos converted one each.
New Chang Ming’s Tristian Montes tried to take matters into his own hands, but his eight points were not enough as they trailed by nine points at the end of the opening quarter, 32-23.
But New Chang Ming stuck to the inside game as it seemed to work in their favor with Rodel Pastrana and Shane Deleon Guerrero delivering the buckets.
Team Marianas, however, continued to rain threes with Aranda and Santos contributing a pair of makes to maintain a safe distance, 54-42.
In the third canto, New Chang Ming extended their range with four three-pointers made but Team Marianas led by Greg Sablan successfully attacked the inside with three straight finishes while his team mates scored three triples for a double-digit advantage, 81-65.
Although New Chang Ming kept up the fight, Team Marianas finished the final quarter strong and triumphed, 100-86.
Team Marianas will now face the undefeated Martech Ol’Aces in the championship game.
