RK Ilagan continues heater run as Valencia City-San Sebastian rises to solo 1st

Behind another sizzling outing by RK Ilagan, Valencia City Bukidnon-SSCR seized solo leadership in the Foundation Group with an 82-73 win over SMDC-NU Monday in the 2019 PBA D-League Monday at Paco Arena in Manila.

Ilagan caught fire and erupted for 14 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, alongside four assists, three rebounds, and three steals in the win, which kept the Golden Harvest unbeaten with their 3-0 win-loss record.

“Wala ka nang mahihingi pa. Pagod na pagod na siya pero nandoon pa rin yung effort niya,” said coach Egay Macaraya of Ilagan.

Ilagan was 6-of-11 from the outside, continuing his on-point sniping in the early goings of this season for Valencia-SSCR.

His buzzer-beating triple to end the third quarter was the confidence-boost he needed, as he drilled three more long bombs in the final frame. But he saved his biggest bucket in the final minute, hitting a runner off the bank to douse SMDC-NU’s rally and made it an 82-69 affair with 59.1 seconds remaining.

Allyn Bulanadi added 14 points, nine rebounds, five steals, and four assists for the Golden Harvest.

Valencia-SSCR shot 15-of-38 from threes as a unit.

Dave Ildefonso led SMDC-NU with his 21 points, six assists, and four rebounds, as the Bulldogs remained in the hunt for their first win through three outings.

The Scores:

Valencia City-SSCR 82 — Ilagan 30, Bulanadi 14, Bonleon 9, Calma 8, Are 7, Capobres 6, Dela Cruz 3, Villapando 3, Sumoda 2, Altamirano 0, Quiambao 0, Desoyo 0, Calahat 0.

SMDC-NU 73 — D. Ildefonso 21, Clemente 19, Gaye 10, Minerva 9, S. Ildefonso 5, Sistoza 2, Oczon 2, Diputado 2, Gallego 2, Galinato 1, Sinclair 0, Salim 0, Yu 0, Mangayao 0.

Quarterscores: 13-7, 36-22, 61-48, 82-73.