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Tanduay made easy pickings of Mindanao in a 39-point rout, 95-56, Thursday for its first win in the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena.
JP Belencion captained the assault with 18 points, while Adrian Santos helped him with 14 markers and seven
rebounds.
Lucas Tagarda and Rudy Lingganay also registered 12 points apiece to help the Rhum Masters nail their first win in three outings.
“I still believe in my heart. May materyales naman kami, and my veterans stepped up today and gave the guys an example,” said a relieved coach Lawrence Chongson. “After getting this first win, makaka-boost ito ng morale. We just have to buckle down and go to work again.”
An early 5-2 lead for the Aguilas proved to be their final hurrah, as the Rhum Masters, aching to finally chalk one in the win column, routed their opponents. Also not helping is Mindanao’s four-point third quarter, which paved the way for Tanduay to hold a lead as much as 44, 94-50 late in the game.
Dexter Garcia and JR Ongteco paced the still winless Aguilas with 11 points each.
The Scores:
TANDUAY 95 – Belencion 18, Santos 14, Lingganay 12, Tagarda 12, Eriobu 8, Gotladera 7, Javillonar 6, Celda 4, Koga 4, Wetherell 4, Cenal 2, Llagas 2, Lo 2, Pessumal 0.
MINDANAO 56 – Garcia 11, Ongteco 11, Acibar 6, Sarangay 6, Ignacio 5, Jumao-as 5, Villanueva 5, Ferrer 3, Nalos 2, Rivera 2, Navarro 0, Rublico 0, Wetherell 0.
Quarters: 31-17, 53-30, 75-34, 95-56.