Tanduay Rhum Masters. PBA IMAGES
A fiery performance against one of the contenders in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup has Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson raving about his squad’s potential.
The Rhum Masters shot 62 percent from the field on the way to a 99-93 victory over the AMA Online Education Titans for their second straight win Thursday night at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
“I believe we could give more,” said Chongson. “But this is a nice experience for us. We are getting challenged which is important for tougher battles ahead.”
Letran standout Bong Quinto stole the thunder from Jeron Teng in the final period where he scored 12 of his 28 points to power the Rhum Masters to a 2-1 record.
Cignal-San Beda also picked up its second straight victory at the expense of Wangs Basketball, 84-77.
The Hawkeyes kept their poise down the stretch as Jason Perkins dished out a double-double with 19 points and 18 rebounds.
San Beda standouts Javee Mocon and Davon Potts added 15 and 12 points, respectively, for the Hawkeyes, who fought back from a 43-54 deficit in the third period.
“It’s a learning lesson for everyone,” said coach Boyet Fernandez.
“Every time, we have to come in and play active and match up the energy of the other team. Credit to Wangs because they prepared hard against us.”
Cignal rallied behind Mocon and Pamboy Raymundo, who joined forces to give the Hawkeyes a 78-75 cushion heading into the final 2:38.
The Rhum Masters nearly wasted a 15-point lead in the third period.
But Quinto bailed them out with two free throws and a lay-up with 17 seconds remaining after the Titans pulled within 88-92 on Teng’s lay-up.
Tanduay also got solid outings from Paul Sanga who went 5-of-9 from beyond the arc for 22 points and Raffy Reyes who tallied 16 points.
Teng had 26 points, five rebounds, and five assists while PJ Barua had 25 points for the Titans who fell to 2-2.