Tanduay survived a sloppy finish as the Rhum Masters turned back BDO-National U, 83-81, for their fifth straight victory in the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena.
The Rhum Masters built enough cushion to withstand a fiery windup by the Bulldogs who almost completed a comeback from 29 points down before suffering their fifth defeat in six outings.
“It’s a big win because if we lost one more game it would have been hard to finish in the Top Four,” said Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson. “Hopefully, something like this will keep us on our toes, that no lead is safe and (that we should) not take anybody lightly.”
Earlier, University of the Philippines QRS/Jam Liner relied on the front line duo of Raul Suyod and Raymond Aguilar to repulse Wang’s Basketball, 80-69, and stay in pursuit of the quarterfinal bonus.
Toying with the Couriers’ porous interior defense, Soyud wound up with 21 points and 10 rebounds while Raymond Aguilar collected 16 points, grabbed 18 rebounds, and issued four assists.
“Like everybody says, you take it one game at a time and control our own destiny,” said Maroons consultant Joe Ward. “If we win our next game, hopefully, we’ll still be in the top four.”
With a 4-3 record, the Maroons need to beat AMA University in its last elimination round game for a shot at a twice-to-beat quarterfinal edge.
The Rhum Masters, who improved to 5-2, used a balanced attack to erect a 57-28 edge in the third period. JJ Alejandro led the Bulldogs’ fightback with 19 points and his steal off an inbounds play in the last three seconds gave his team a chance at stealing the win. But Matt Salem missed a potential game winning trey at the buzzer.
The scores:
First Game
UP QRS/JAM LINER 80—Soyud 21, Aguilar 16, Alolino 13, Baloria 10, Ferrer 10, Lim 8, Sorela 2, Batino 0, Dario 0, Neypes 0.
WANGS BASKETBALL 69—Mangahas 17, Capacio 14, Bautista 10, Ilad 7, Ragasa 7, Jo. Montemayor 4, Publico 4, Acosta 2, Romero 2, Tayongtong 2, Cabahug 0, Tumalip 0.
Quarters: 16-16, 39-33, 62-52, 80-69
Second Game
TANDUAY 83—Acuna 14, Celda 11, Belencion 10, Lingganay 10, Wetherell 9, Llagas 8, Gotladera 6, Javillonar 6, Pessumal 5, Santos 4, Tagarda 0.
BDO-NU 81—Alejandro 19, Aroga 18, Salim 16, Perez 7, Yu 7, Diputado 4, Javelona 4, Salem 4, Labing-isa 2, Rono 0, Tansingco 0.
Quarters: 30-15, 59-32, 68-58, 83-81