TECHNOLOGICAL Institute of the Philippines secured the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinal round of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup after defeating Alberei, 105-95, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Papa Ndiaye returned from a hamstring injury and produced 37 points and 18 rebounds as the Engineers finished their elimination round assignment with five victories and one defeat.
Bryan Santos had 28 points and 11 rebounds while Ximone Ace Sandagon added 12 points for the TIP squad of coach Potit de Vera.
Ndiaye and Santos combined for 30 points in the third quarter that saw TIP turn a 49-44 halftime lead into 86-71 going into the fourth.
The Engineers had the biggest lead at 18 points, 92-74, on Warren Calera’s free throw with 7:51 to go but the Kings closed to within six, 96-90, on a basket by Jomari Lacastesantos, 3:10 remaining.
TIP, though, prevented Alberei from making a serious threat to secure the top two finish in Group B.
The top two teams in the group secure a twice-to-beat advantage against the third and fourth placers in the quarters.
Lacatesantos and Jonathan Pareno finished with 20 points each but Alberei dropped to 0-4. (JONAS TERRADO)
