Technological Institute of the Philippines punched a ticket to the 2019 PBA D-League Second Conference playoffs, but not without incident as it avoided a 28-point meltdown to score the 110-99 win over Black Mamba Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Russell Tan went bonkers with his 5-of-7 shooting from deep to pour 25 points off the bench for the Engineers.
Bryan Santos chalked up 20 points, nine rebounds, five steals, and two assists, GC Carurucan added 19 points, nine assists, seven boards, and three steals, and Ivan Santos got 16 points, nine rebounds, and three assists for TIP, which rose to 4-1 in Group B.
“Very big thing for us for a school team. It’s a nice thing to give to the school, pero sa amin naman, we’re just trying to compete every game,” said coach Potit de Vera.
The Engineers had to buck a forgettable second half that saw their 59-31 second quarter lead gobbled up and trimmed to as low as five, 94-89, with 5:16 left thanks to a Dahrell Caranguian trey.
But a well-timed 16-7 finishing kick brought TIP back up 14, 110-96, with 1:34 left, to lock up the conquest.
“I just reminded them to execute and be in control. We’re out of control. There was that scary moment, but I never showed any panic para di rin mag-panic yung team. I’m happy for the kids that they responded,” reflected de Vera.
The Engineers missed Senegalese center Papa Ndiaye, who is nursing a hamstring injury and is a game-time decision for their last game against Alberei on Monday.
Caranguian topped the Energy Drink (1-1) with 24 points, while Clark Derige got 17 points and eight rebounds.
The Scores:
TIP 110 –– Tan 25, B. Santos 20, Carurucan 19, I. Santos 16, Sandagon 13, Daguro 6, Pasamante 5, Calara 4, Pinca 2, Ang 0.
Black Mamba 99 –– Caranguian 24, Derige 17, Tayongtong 14, Gadon 12, Barua 10, Vidal 8, Carongoy 5, Bolos 4, Medina 3, Castro 2, Boholano 0.
Quarterscores: 27-17, 51-34, 87-74, 110-99.
