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.
Later, Carl Bryan Cruz pumped in 17 points and eight rebounds as Cafe France also got a new lease on life by rallying past Phoenix, 78-68, in their own semifinal series.
The Bakers came out firing on all cylinders in the final period, climbing out of an eight-point deficit on their way to forcing a rubber match on Tuesday.
Phoenix came within 64-68, before guard Aaron Jeruta shot five straight points to restore order for Cafe France, 76-66, heading into the final 1:48.
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.