D-League: Marinero-TIP takes down leader Che’lu

Marinerong Pilipino-TIP outlasted top-seeded Che’lu Bar and Grill, 91-83, in the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Monday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Engineers rose to third seed behind a 4-3 slate while the Revellers remained on top with a 5-2 card.

Trailing at the start of the payoff period, Che’lu ignited a 7-2 run to trim the deficit to five but the Engineers retaliated with an 11-0 blitz to stay afloat, 85-69.

Javi Gomez De Liano iced the game with two freebies.

“We’ve talked about it and we want to be consistent in this. Our mindset coming into the game is that we will respect anybody from Che’lu, it’s not about them being the top team but it will be a confidence builder for us,” Marinerong Pilipino head coach Koy Banal said.

The Engineers’ starters delivered 64 points while Che’lu’s first five only had 25.

Jorey Napoles and Robbie Manalang had 19 points apiece for Marinerong Pilipino.

Jeff Viernes led the Revellers with 19 markers. Ma. Angelica D. Garcia