PBA D-League: Diliman College squeaks past Marinerong Pilipino in thriller

PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—It took one free throw from Kevin Gandjeto and a game-winning defensive stop to lift Diliman College-Gerry’s Grill’s past Marinerong Pilipino, 86-85, in the 2019 PBA D-League Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Gandjeto split from the line that gave the Blue Dragons the final lead of the game with 12.4 seconds remaining in the game before the Skippers then missed tow chances at the win with Mike Ayonayon and Art Aquino botching their shots.

“We just stuck to our character, we won because of our defense and our character,” said Blue Dragons head coach Rensy Bajar.

Joseph Brutas and Johnnel Bauzon also had respectable contributions for the Blue Dragons pitching in 15 points apiece.

Diliman-Gerry’s climbed to a tie for the fourth place with Chadao-Far Eastern University to hold on to its playoff push in the Foundation Group.

Marinerong Pilipino dropped to a 3-4 record and tied Wangs Basketball at sixth and is in danger of missing the playoffs.

Ayonayon had 16 points to pace the Skippers’ offense but struggled mightily on 5-of-21 shooting.