PBA D-League: Tanduay cuts down Wangs for second straight win

Tanduay atoned for its early mistakes in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup as it intoxicated Wangs Basketball, 90-75, Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena.

With the win, the Rhum Masters are now at 2-2, good temporary second place in the table after starting the season 0-2.

Tanduay head coach Lawrence Chongson said they are pressured to deliver every game as the sting of their 0-2 start put their backs against the wall.

“Pressured? Yes. Talagang ganun sa format na single round robin diba,” Chongson said. “Gusto mong makahabol sa mga leaders and at the same time to atone for our two early losses.”

“Gusto naming makabawi dun so kami wala lang laro lang talaga.”

Tanduay nearly had a nail biter in their midst when Mark Romero cut the Rhum Masters’ 73-65 lead to two, 73-71, with 4:17 left in the game off a three-point play.

But Rhum Masters closed out the game on a 17-4 run, the last eight points coming off fast breaks, as Wangs shrunk down against Tanduay’s pressure defense.

Adrian Santos and Rudy Lingganay led Tanduay with 16 points apiece while Reden Celda and Von Pessumal added 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Clark Bautista and Romero each had 13 points to lead Wangs.