Ildefonso bros spark SMDC-NU’s rally from 19 down to stun CEU

SMDC-National University crawled its way back from a 19-point hole to pull off a 74-67 stunner over Centro Escolar University, Thursday in the 2019 PBA D-League at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Dave Ildefonso powered the Bulldogs to the upset win, scoring his team’s last nine points, as well as 12 of his 21, in the payoff period to capture their first back-to-back wins of the season.

Issa Gaye added 10 points and 15 rebounds, including the go-ahead undergoal stab at 4:24 remaining that made it a 65-64 lead before Ildefonso wrapped the game up in what was an 11-3 finishing tear for SMDC-NU.

Shaun Ildefonso chipped in 14 points and eight boards off the bench in the win.

“Two straight wins after the Holy Week pero parang three months na kami magpe-penitensya eh. I think it’s time for us to resurrect ourselves,” said coach Jamike Jarin as his Bulldogs never lost hope despite staring at a 41-22 deficit early in the third frame.

SMDC-NU stayed alive in the Foundation Cup playoff race at 2-5, while dealing CEU its first loss and halting its six-game winning run.

Tyron Chan fired 16 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and two assists for the Scorpions in the game where Maodo Malick Diouf was limited to just two points. The Senegalese center was still able to collect 19 rebounds and five blocks in the loss.

The Scores:

SMDC-NU 74 — D. Ildefonso 21, S. Ildefonso 14, Gaye 10, Minerva 9, Galinato 6, Clemente 4, Oczon 3, Rangel 3, Gallego 2, Yu 2, Diputado 0, Sistoza 0, Mangayao 0, Malonzo 0, Tibayan 0.

CEU 67 — Chan 16, Formento 14, Fuentes 13, Uri 11, Diaz 7, Lisbo 4, Diouf 2, Ke. Caballero 0, Rojas 0, Abastillas 0.

Quarterscores: 9-23, 22-39, 53-55, 74-67.