The Marinerong Pilipino-TIP Engineers shook off their listless play in the first three quarters to bamboozle the Batangas-EAC Generals with an 80-74 come-from-behind win in the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Monday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Trevis Jackson anchored the rally from 18-points down and poured 20 points, six rebounds, and four steals, to improve the Engineers’ record to 5-3 and extend their winning run to three.
Robbie Manalang chipped in 11 points, three boards, and two assists, as Jorey Napoles and newcomer Irvin Palencia combined for 20 in the amazing turnaround.
“I can’t believe it,” said coach Koy Banal. “Positive attitude creates positive results.”
Marinerong Pilipino-TIP battled back from a 59-41 hole with 4:10 remaining in the third quarter. They exploded for 32 points in the fourth frame while shackling Batangas-EAC to just nine in the last 10 minutes of the game.
Palencia tied the game at 72 with 3:36 remaining before the Engineers took control of the game and zoomed to the victory.
“At first, we’re not getting our bearings. We prepared well for this game and I thought we are ready. But the reminder we had to them in the second half is that you will not be in this team if you are not a winner. Winners find ways to win and turn things around and that’s what they did,” added Banal.
The win moves the Engineers to a win away from clinching their spot in the semifinals, with their next game slated against Go for Gold on Monday.
Clark Bautista led Batangas-EAC (3-5) with 15 points on a 3-of-5 shooting from downtown, but committed nine turnovers in the defeat.
The Scores:
Marinerong Pilipino-TIP 80 – Jackson 20, Manalang 11, Napoles 10, Palencia 10, Medina 9, Tratter 7, Johnson 6, Thiele 3, Liwag 2, Ndiaye 2.
Batangas-EAC 74 – Bautista 15, Mendoza 12, Arim 11, Mabulac 8, Bulawan 7, Saldana 5, De Guzman 4, De Joya 4, Tabi 4, Dela Pena 3, Derige 1.
Quarterscores: 18-20, 33-43, 48-65, 80-74.
