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Gelo Alolino hit the game-winner to lift Tanduay to an 86-84 victory over AMA Online Education and end its elimination schedule in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Thursday at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
The former NU standout drained a huge baseline jumper with 4.6 seconds left to push the Rhum Masters ahead.
Rashawn McCarthy still had a chance to win the game, but his potential game-winning trey missed the mark at the buzzer.
Alolino finished with a team-high 20 points alongside seven rebounds and six assists, as Tanduay staked its claim of finishing to as high as third place.
Reden Celda led the fourth quarter fightback for the Rhum Masters, nabbing 11 of his 17 markers in the period, while Jovet Mendoza also had 10.
“Maganda rin silang barometer sa game na ito. They gave us a run for our money, pero nag-hold pa rin yung character ng team,” said coach Lawrence Chongson. “We’re giving everybody a chance to mature.”
Rashawn McCarthy tied the game with a pull-up jumper at 84 with 31.9 seconds left, but Alolino took the cudgels in the clutch for the Rhum Masters.
Despite the win, Tanduay will still play with a twice-to-beat disadvantage in the semifinals, set to start next Thursday.
James Martinez got 32 points for AMA to follow up his 58-point explosion two days back, while Rashawn McCarthy also had 32 in the defeat.
The Scores:
TANDUAY 86 – Alolino 20, Celda 17, Mendoza 10, Lingganay 9, Javillonar 8, Javelona 6, Santos 4, Acuna 3, Belencion 3, Ferrer 3, Stevens 2, Gotladera 1, Eguilos 0.
AMA 84 – Martinez 32, McCarthy 32, Taganas 6, Asuncion 5, Arambulo 3, Belleza 2, Jo. Montemayor 2, Ortega 2, Bragais 0, Calma 0, Jordan 0, Macaranas 0.
Quarters: 23-21, 42-35, 61-68, 86-84.