Mark Cruz. PBA IMAGES
Mark Cruz caught fire early and carried Tanduay to a 78-60 beatdown of Blustar Detergent to inch them closer to the last twice-to-beat advantage in 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The diminutive playmaker unloaded 11 of his 17 points in the first quarter as the Rhum Masters grabbed a lead as high as 31, 59-28, midway in the third period. He also had five rebounds and three assists in the win.
Jerwin Gaco also chipped in 10 markers and five boards off the bench, while Paul Sanga added 10 points and four rebounds as Tanduay made it two straight wins and improved to 5-3.
The Rhum Masters could formally secure the last twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals with a victory against Jose Rizal University (4-4) next Tuesday.
“We know the scenario. How we’re going to perform or show up is another story,” said coach Lawrence Chongson, who continued to harp on the consistency he’s been looking for all conference long.
“I still don’t see the consistency. I’m not looking beyond JRU, but the way we’re performing is still a concern for me. Hopefully, we jell on time for the playoffs.”
Tristan Perez topped winless Blustar (0-8) with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Vincent Choong added 15 markers.
The Scores:
TANDUAY 78 – Cruz 17, Gaco 10, Sanga 10, Santos 8, Varilla 7, Eguilos 6, Vigil 6, Stevens 3, Villamor 3, Asuncion 2, Cenal 2, Palma 2, Quinto 2, Sollano 0.
BLUSTAR 60 – Perez 20, Choong 15, Melano 10, Mak 6, Liaw 5, Ong 4, Heng 0, Ang 0, Kwaan 0, Chin 0.
Quarters: 17-10, 44-20, 66-42, 78-60.