Tanduay foils Racal, forces decider for finals slot

FORMER National U star Gelo Alolino knocked in the biggest shot down the stretch as Tanduay lived to fight another day with a pulsating 88-86 victory over Racal last night in the semifinals of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Strike Gym in Bacoor, Cavite.

Facing an in-form Racal team and holding a twice-to-beat edge, the Rhum Masters showed steely resolve while relying on Alolino’s brilliance on offense as they forced a do-or-die battle for a finals spot.

Alolino buried a tough jumper with 39.3 seconds remaining to give the Rhum Masters breathing room, 88-84. Roider Cabrera trimmed the gap, 86-88, and Jonathan Grey still had one more chance to win it for Racal, but the former St. Benilde star muffed his three-point attempt at the buzzer.

The Rhum Masters heaved a sigh of relief as they nearly squandered a 23-point advantage. They are still in the running to face the winner of the Cafe France-Phoenix semifinal tiff.

“We allowed ourselves to live to fight another day and now, we’ll go back to the drawing board,” said Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson.

“Our target is to make the finals.”

Alolino spearheaded an early burst that helped the Rhum Masters to a 68-45 lead in the third quarter. Grey and Ael Banal willed the Tile Masters back into the game with Banal completing a three-point play to tie the game at 84 with 1:32 remaining.
The Scores:

First Game:

TANDUAY 88—Alolino 26, Celda 15, Ferrer 13, Mendoza 10, Eguilos 8, Belencion 6, Acuna 4, Javillonar 4, Santos 2, Javelona 0, Lingganay 0, Tagarda 0.

RACAL 86—Grey 21, Banal 12, Ortuoste 11, Paniamogan 9, Celiz 8, Cabrera 5, Corpuz 5, Maiquez 5, Robles 4, Terso 4, Gabawan 2, Javier 0, Neypes 0.

Quarters: 22-22, 55-43, 72-63, 88-86.