Saints crowned D-League champs

MANILA, Philippines — Underdog BRT Sumisip Basilan – St. Clare capped an epic series comeback against favorite Marinerong Pilipino with a thrilling 63-60 Game 3 victory to hoist the PBA D-League Foundation Cup title yesterday before a frenetic crowd at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Veteran guards Jhaps Bautista and Hesed Gabo connived in the telling fourth-quarter tear of the Saints to squeak by the Skippers from a tight match highlighted by 15 lead changes on their way to sealing their first-ever D-League title.

Bautista poured in eight points in the fourth quarter, including the clutch lay-up in the last minute and the insurance freebie in the last 1.5 seconds to finish with 18 markers, eight rebounds and two steals.

Gabo nailed the go-ahead trey in the 3:23 mark to come up with 12 points on top of five boards and seven dimes while Alfred Batino and Mohammed Pare combined for 20 points and 15 rebounds as the Saints gifted seasoned mentor Stevenson Tiu his breakthrough win in the D-League.