Raymond Ilagan of Tanduay (light) vs Jamil Gabawan of Racal (dark). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines–Finally shaking off a putrid start, the Tanduay Light Rhum Makers intoxicated Racal Motors, 70-57, to notch the .500 mark in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Thursday afternoon at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
It’s a merry Christmas for the Rhum Makers as they get a 4-4 win-loss card just before the holiday break.
Riding the wave that Aljon Mariano created, Tanduay poured the shots with a 12-4 closing run in the third with Jaypee Belencion icing three free throws after getting fouled on a bail out three-point attempt with 0.4 seconds remaining, giving the Rhum Makers a 57-34 lead.
Rhum Makers head coach Lawrence Chongson said that if it were up to him, he would want his team to continue practicing even during the holidays in anticipation of the New Year grind.
“We are getting the hang of it, we’re picking it up,” Chongson said. “Personally, I want for us to continue training but it’s our Christmas culture, we also have to take some breaks.”
Raffy Reyes tried to claw Racal back as he hit three straight three-pointers midway through the fourth to cut the lead to 12, 65-57, but a steady attack from Tanduay did not allow it.
Mariano, who did not play a single minute in the fourth, had 21 points and six boards for Tanduay.
Adrian Santos had a double-double performance of 11 points and 11 rebounds while Gab Banal also had 11 points for the Rhum Makers.
Reyes led the 2-5 Racal with 22 points while Raymond Jamito had a double-double of his own with 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Box scores:
TANDUAY 70- Mariano 21, Santos 11, Banal 11, Belencion 10, Roño 5, Escueta 4, De Vera 3, Ilagan 2 Foronda 2, Mandani 1, Sumang 0, Ignacio 0.
RACAL 57- Reyes 22, Ortuoste 4, Gil 3, Ruaya 3, Ibay 2, De Gregorio 2, Ambuludto 2, Viernes 2, Gabawan 1, Mercader 0, Canta 0, Saitanan 0, Publico 0.