Engineers book playoff seat

MANILA, Philippines — Technological Institute of the Philippines nearly squandered a huge lead before getting its act together to beat Black Mamba, 110-99, and book a seat in the playoffs of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Russel Tan exploded for 25 points spiked by five triples in the absence of Senegalese big man Papa Ndiaye due to a hamstring injury.

Bryan Santos (20 points) and Ivan Santos (16) put in their share while guard GC Carurucan quarterbacked their offense with a 19-9-7 near triple-double tally on top of three steals for a collective effort of the all-local TIP squad.

TIP upped its card to 4-1 in Group B to become the first team to progress in the playoffs of this 14-team D-League tourney.

“There was a scary moment but I never showed any panic to ease out the pressure on my wards. I just reminded them to execute and be in control,” said coach Potit de Vera as the Engineers almost wasted a massive 28-point lead.

In the other game, Centro Escolar U firmed up its pole position in Group A with an 86-77 win over AMA Online Education.