BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare took command in the second half to beat Technological Institute of the Philippines, 85-70, and gain the solo lead in Group B of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Point guard Irven Palencia led the way with 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and four steals as the Saints stayed unbeaten by claiming their third straight victory.
Mohammad Pare was also instrumental in the team’s victory with 12 points and 13 rebounds while Jherald James Manacho added 11 points and 11 rebounds for the squad mentored by Stevenson Tiu.
Bryan Santos scored 23 points but TIP dropped to 2-1.
In other results, newcomer Black Mamba Energy Drink rallied from 18 points down to stun Alberei, 86-82, behind 22 points from Dahrell Caranguian.
Caranguian scored nine in the fourth as Black Mamba was able to erase a 79-61 early in the period to win their initial assignment.
Former University of the East mainstay Clark Derige posted 14 points and 11 rebounds while ex-Emilio Aguinaldo College playmaker John Tayongtong scored 10 points to also play key roles in Black Mamba’s triumph.
Marinerong Pilipino opened its campaign on a high note with a 118-71 rout of Hazchem.
JR Alabanza scored 15 of his 17 points in the first half for the Skippers, who are aiming to bounce back after missing the quarterfinals of the previous conference. (Jonas Terrado)
