Wangs officially eliminated from playoff contention after SMDC-NU takeover

“Final: 102 – 71 in favor of the SMDC – NU Bulldogs!
#PBADLeague2019″ (Photo: PBA D-League/Facebook)

Wangs Basketball is officially eliminated from 2019 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Developmental League (D-League) contention after SMDC-National University (NU) caught up from their slow starting, eventually dominating at 102-71 last Monday, May 6 at the JSCGO Gym.

During the first half of the match, the Bulldogs were behind Wangs by 12 points but powered through into a 32-point lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Senegalese center Issa Gaye was the highest pointer for his team with 13 points and nine rebounds, while teammate Niko Abatayo chipped 12 all in the first half. Dave Ildefonso had a total of 11 points and five rebounds, while John Galinto and John Lloyd Clemente had 10 points individually. For Wangs, it was Denzel Wong who fought for the Couriers at 17 points, followed by Axel Iñigo and Rickson Gerero who scored 11 and 10 points respectively. Even though prior to the game, SMDC-NU already knew their fate of not entering the top four, their victory also pulled out Wangs, as both teams stand with three wins and five losses in the Foundation Group. It was the fourth loss in a row for the Couriers.

In reaction to their final game, SMDC-NU head coach Jamike Jarin told the media, “Good thing is we’re finishing strong and that’s a great sign for us. We’re playing better defense, moving the ball well, and the roles are being defined better,” adding, “I’m happy with the way we performed, but I hope it could’ve come a little bit earlier,” also referring to their back-to-back wins in the past weeks.

On the same day, the Perpetual Altas dominate DC14 Designs-Trinity University of Asia, 86-75, with Rey Peralta hailed as player of the game, performing with 33 points, five rebounds, and four assists.