Dave Ando proves clutch, propels Ironcon-UST back in playoff race

The Ironcon-UST Growling Tigers boosted their 2019 PBA D-League playoff hopes with a cardiac 78-75 win over St. Clare College Virtual Reality, Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Dave Ando buried the go-ahead undergoal stab with 20.4 seconds remaining before Brent Paraiso sealed the win with two free throws in the final 4.3. Junjie Hallare then heaved a Hail Mary three to force overtime, but his shot fell short as time expired

Paraiso scored 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists for Ironcon-UST. Meanwhile, Mark Nonoy and Rhenz Abando chipped in 13 points in the victory.

“We just executed the game plan and the players did not deviate from the game plan, kasi yun yung tendency ng mga bata. They just executed,” said coach Aldin Ayo.

Ando and Renzo Subido also combined for 20 to improve the Growling Tigers’ slate to a 6-2 record in the Aspirants Group.

Ironcon-UST survived the late spurt from Irven Palencia, who scored all of his eight points as St. Clare rallied back from a 73-67 deficit.

The Growling Tigers also missed the services Beninese forward Soulemane Chabi Yo, who is down with a flu.

Joshua Fontanilla topped St. Clare (5-3) with 19 points, while Rojay Santos got 16 points built on five triples.

The Scores:

Ironcon-UST 78 — Paraiso 14, Nonoy 13, Abando 13, Ando 10, Subido 10, Concepcion 7, Bataller 4, Marcos 4, Huang 3, Herrera 0.

St. Clare 75 — Fontanilla 19, Santos 16, Lunor 11, Hallare 8, Palencia 8, Rubio 7, Pare 4, Ambuludto 2, Bolos 0.

Quarterscores: 18-11, 37-33, 60-57, 78-75.