The TIP Engineers secured a 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup quarterfinals berth following their recent 105-95 win over the Alberei Kings at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Papa Ndiaye, who was returning from a hamstring injury, finished with 37 points, 18 rebounds, and four assists for TIP; Bryan Santos earned a double-double with 28 points, 11 boards, two assists, and two steals; while Ximone Sandagon recorded 12 points and four rebounds.
Despite pulling off the win, Alberei showed their competitive edge in the final period after TIP’s 92-74 lead dwindled to 101-95 with 37 seconds left in the game.
“I’m not happy with today’s ball game,” said TIP head coach Potit De Vera. “I don’t want to go to the playoffs with the thinking that our players are good enough; we always have to go all out and I just want to keep on doing that.”
TIP enters the quarterfinals with a twice-to-beat advantage.
In the other game, the Hyperwash Vipers scored a 144-138 victory over McDavid Apparels-De La Salle Araneta Stallions/ASC, WDJ