PBA D-League: SMDC-NU rallies from 19 down to end CEU’s unbeaten streak

MANILA, Philippines—SMDC-National University came back from a 19-point deficit and stunned Centro Escolar University, 74-67, in the 2019 PBA D-League Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Dave Ildefonso sparked the comeback, scoring the Bulldogs’ last nine points in the fourth period as they notched their second straight win in the Foundation Group while snapping the Scorpions’ unbeaten start of six games.

Issa Gaye finished with a double-double for SMDC-NU with 10 points and 15 rebounds including a crucial layup that gave the Bulldogs the 65-64 lead with 4:24 remaining,

“Two straight wins after the Holy Week but it’s been like three months that we’re suffering,” said Bulldogs head coach Jamike Jarin in Filipino. “I think it’s time for us to resurrect ourselves.”

SMDC-NU kept their playoff hopes alive with a 2-5 record while the Scorpions dropped to 6-1.

Tyron Chan led CEU with 16 points, seven rebounds, and four steals.