It was an upset victory for Diliman College-Gerry’s Grill, defeating Marinerong Pilipino, 86-85, last Thursday, May 2 at the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Developmental League (D-League) match in Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig for a ticket to the season’s playoffs.
It was Kevin Gandjeto who made the game-winning shot at the last 12.4 seconds of the game, soon after closing off Blue Dragons Mike Ayonayon and Art Aquino. In total, Gandjeto had a double-double of 29 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks. Teammates Joseph Brutas and Johnnel Bauzon scored 15 points individually, both making 3-of-4 threes. For Marinerong Pilipino, Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Mike Ayonayon was the highest pointer at 16 points, but only had 5-of-21 success from the field. Teammate Santi Santillan added 15 points and six rebounds, while Jhonard Clarito debuted with a double-double of 12 points and 15 rebounds.
Now, Diliman college is tied with Chadao-FEU in the Foundation Group with a 4-3 win-loss standing. On the other hand, Marinerong Pilipino is tied with Wangs Basketball in the same group for sixth place as they drop to 3-4. They now have a possibility of not entering the playoffs, a first if ever since 2017.
In response to their win, Diliman-Gerry’s Grill head coach Rensy Bajar shared, “Marinero is a star-studded team, but we just stuck to our character. We won because of our defense and our character.” He added, “We are just here to compete. We are a small school with a small program, but we keep on climbing to play as good as we can.”