Fourth straight win for SMDC-NU as they end 2019 PBA D-League campaign

“Final: 100 – 74 in favor of the SMDC – NU Bulldogs! Best Player: Dave Ildefonso with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists #PBADLeague2019” (Photo: PBA D-League/Facebook)

Although they are no longer in the running to enter the quarterfinals, SMDC-National University (NU) still has four straight wins to celebrate, as they end their 2019 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Developmental League (D-League) run with a victory over Perpetual last Monday, May 20 at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.

The score ended at 100-74 with Bulldog Dave Ildefonso not disappointing, his final performance of the season resulting 20 points, six rebounds, and three assists. John Lloyd Clemente added 16 points and four rebounds, while Patrick Yu totalled 13. Issa Gaye from Senegal had a double-double of 11 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks. This resulted in a 4-5 win-loss finish in the Foundation Group for SMDC-NU.

On the other hand, Perpetual struggled during the third quarter as their opponents’ lead swelled to 19; Tonton Peralta trying to answer back. He totalled 18 points with four of 11 from beyond the arc. Teammates Kim Aurin and Ben Adamos contributed double digits as well with 12 points and 11 points respectively, but it did not prevent the Bulldogs’ lead to swell to as much as 26 in the final quarter. Because of this, Perpetual finishes with a 2-7 standing.

Despite their elimination from the season, SMDC-NU assistant coach Kevin de Castro spoke on behalf of head coach Jamike Jarin saying in Filipino, “We’re happy because we were able to get what the team wanted. This is good preparation for us.”

In the meantime, as both SMDC-NU and Perpetual were eliminated, Che’Lu Bar and Grill continued onto their fight for an entry ticket to the quarterfinals on the same day, ending Enderun’s 2019 PBA D-League run with a 77-72 victory. Alfred Batino was hailed player of the game with his double-double performance of 14 points and 17 rebounds.