The boys didn’t give up even if we lost Game 1 by wide margin.

BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare wins its first title in the PBA D-League.

BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare hung on to beat Marinerong Pilipino, 63-60, to claim the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association D-League Foundation Cup crown yesterday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Jhaps Bautista topscored with 18 points and eight rebounds, including the pressure-packed split with 1.5 seconds remaining to lead the Saints to their first title in the developmental ranks.

Leo Gabo also made his presence felt with 12 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, including the go-ahead trey with 3:21 left to give his side the 59-57 lead and set up the cardiac finish.

Alfred Batino chimed in 11 markers, seven boards and three dimes for BRT Sumisip-St. Clare.

“The boys didn’t give up even if we lost Game 1 by wide margin. This is the reward for us,” said St. Clare coach Stevenson Tiu, who finally ended the dry spell and won his first ring after a failed attempt with Che’Lu Bar and Grill last season.

“I’m always at second place in the D-League. I’m glad that I finally won it. Maybe it’s destiny for me.”

The Saints already took a 61-58 lead after Bautista’s freebies with 1:26 remaining, but Jhonard Clarito gave the Skippers hope as he inched them to within a point, 61-60, with 19.8 seconds to go.

Marinerong Pilipino seemed to be well on its way to a comeback after Bautista turned the ball over on an inbounds play, but Santi Santillan missed his lay-up on the other end.

Joshua Fontanilla was able to collar the rebound with 12.4 seconds left but could only settle for a split that kept the window open for the Skippers.

Unfortunately, Mark Yee’s three-pointer did not hit the target, leading to Bautista’s game-icing free throws.

Yee led Marinerong Pilipino with 17 points and 14 rebounds in the stinging defeat.

Clarito had a double-double as well with 13 points and 15 rebounds.