VALENCIA City Bukidnon-SSCR fended off a gritty challenge from Diliman College-Gerry's Grill, 91-80, to snag the top seed in the Foundation Group in the 2019 PBA D-League Thursday at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
JM Calma got things going for the Golden Harvest, uncorking 15 points in the first half to finish with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and two rejections.
But the Blue Dragons would not go away, cutting the deficit down to as close as seven, 77-70, with 4:33 to play before RK Ilagan and Allyn Bulanadi wrapped up the victory in the endgame.
Ilagan was a perfect 10-of-10 from the free throw line as he captured 23 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
Bulanadi was as spectacular as he was all over the court with his 18 points, six boards, four dimes, three steals, and three blocks.
Valencia-SSCR now advances to the crossover quarterfinals at no. 1 seed armed with a twice-to-beat edge against Che'Lu Bar and Grill on Monday.
Beninese big man Kevin Gandjeto carried Diliman-Gerry's (4-5) with 29 points.
Kris Torrado finished with a triple-double with his 14 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds, while John Mahari got 10 in the loss.
The scores:
VALENCIA-SSCR 91 -- Calma 26, Ilagan 23, Bulanadi 18, Dela Cruz 6, Bonleon 5, Calahat 4, Altamirano 4, Sumoda 2, Are 2, Villapando 1, Loristo 0, Tero 0, Desoyo 0.
DILIMAN-GERRY'S 80 -- Gandjeto 29, Torrado 14, Pacheco 11, Mahari 10, Bauzon 5, Brutas 5, Brill 4, Sombero 2, Darang 0, Tay 0.
Quarters: 21-7, 37-28, 68-55, 91-80.
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