TANDUAY Rhum got the bounce-back win it wanted, and a record to boot, in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup yesterday at Ynares Sports Arena.
Drubbed by league leader Phoenix last week, the Rhum Masters vented their ire on Topstar ZC Mindanao, 133-78, to set the most points scored by a team in a single game.
The Rhum Masters’ final tally surpassed the 125 points NLEX set on Jan. 30, 2014 versus Zambales M-Builders.
Reden Celda unloaded 20 points on top of six rebounds and three assists to lead the Rhum Masters’ 55-point thrashing of the winless Aguilas.
Kim Lo also posted a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Gelo Alolino scored 17 and dished out six assists as the Rhum Masters pulled away early with an 11-0 start.
The Rhum Masters, who recovered from a 108-95 blasting from Phoenix, improved to 6-3 to stay inside the top four.
But as much as the Rhum Masters sizzled offensively, coach Lawrence Chongson noted how his players played poor defense early in the game.
“I’m not satisfied in the first half because we allowed [the Aguilas] to score 48 points,” said Chongson. “I challenged them to hold Topstar to 30 points in the second half. Good thing they responded.”
The Rhum Masters still has a shot at the top two spots that come with a twice-to-beat semifinal edge. With reports from Philip Martin Matel, Miguel de Leon
The scores:
First Game
TANDUAY 133—Celda 20, Alolino 17, Lo 17, Acuña 12, Belencion 12, Tagarda 12, Javelona 10, Stevens 10, Cenal 8, Javillonar 7, Mendoza 6, Gotladera 2, Lingganay 0.
TOPSTAR Z.C. MINDANAO 78—Cawaling 21, Garcia 15, Rivera 8, Argamino 7, Jumao-as 7, Onde 5, Ongteco 4, Roño 4, Julkipli 3, Dadjilul 2, Ignacio 2, Tano 0.
Quarters: 26-19, 61-48, 94-60, 133-78