Flying V completed a rare sweep while Centro Escolar University clinched the last quarterfinals berth as the elimination round of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup came to a close yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Jeron Teng registered his third straight triple-double to help power Flying V past Batangas, 116-101, while the trio of Rod Ebondo, JK Casino and Orlan Wamar conspired in a late pullaway as CEU downed Racal Motors, 88-77.
Flying V pulled off the fourth elims sweep in league history, joining the NLEX Road Warriors, who did it twice in the 2012 and 2014 Foundation Cup, and the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns in the 2015 Aspirants’ Cup.
Thunder coach Eric Altamirano, however, is aspiring bigger things.
“We’re happy that we were able to get it done, but I’ll be happier if we win it all the way,” said Altamirano.
Teng, showing why he is one of the top prospects in next season’s PBA draft, capped off Flying V’s rare feat by posting 24 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to become the first D-League player to register three triple-doubles.
Earlier, Ebondo, Casino and Wamar scored 18 of their 19 combined points in the fourth quarter during the final seven minutes that saw the UCBL champion Scorpions turn a slim 70-68 lead into a double-digit victory, earning the last ticket to the six-team playoffs.
CEU also benefited from Flying V’s win as it secured the fourth spot in the twice-to-beat advantage against Batangas in the quarterfinals which starts tomorrow at the same venue.