TECHNOLOGICAL Institute of the Philippines bucked the absence of Senegalese center Papa Ndiaye to beat Black Mamba, 110-99, to become the first team to clinch a quarterfinals berth in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Russell Tan scored 25 points on a 5-of-7 shooting from three-point range while Brian Santos added 20 points, nine rebounds and five steals to give the Engineers their fourth win in five games.
Coach Potit de Vera and the Engineers sit in second place in Group B behind unbeaten leader BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare.
TIP won after it almost squandered a 28-point lead when Black Mamba pulled within five, 94-89, on Dahrell Caranguian’s three with 5:16 left in the fourth.
The Engineers responded by outscoring Black Mamba, 16-7, to make it 110-96 with 1:34 left.
Ndiaye didn’t see action for TIP due to a hamstring injury and could also miss Monday’s match against Alberei at the same venue.
Caranguian finished with 24 points while Clark Derige added 17 for Black Mamba in the loss. (JONAS TERRADO)
