FILE PHOTO – PBA IMAGES
Tanduay needed a lucky break in the end to survive Marinerong Pilipino, 76-74, for its second win in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Monday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
After draining the game-tying undergoal stab with 3.1 seconds to go, John Lopez went from hero to zero for the Skippers as he was whistled for a technical foul, leading to a go-ahead freebie, 75-74, by Lester Alvarez.
Dave Moralde was then forced to foul Jaymo Eguilos, who only mustered a split as the Rhum Masters eked out the tight victory.
“I hope we can play better but I’ll take the two-point win anytime. Maybe, we also need these kinds of games,” said Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson, as Tanduay scored back-to-back wins and improved to 2-1.
Alvarez carried the load for the Rhum Masters with 15 points and two assists, while Eguilos chipped in 10 markers and seven boards.
Louie Vigil and Emil Palma both had nine points in the win.
It was a tough defeat for Marinerong Pilipino, who battled back from an early nine-point deficit, 21-12, and lost a 56-50 advantage at the start of the fourth period.
Achie Iñigo topped the Skippers (1-2) with 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Julian Sargent got 10 markers, four boards, and two dimes.
The scores:
TANDUAY 76 – Alvarez 15, Eguilos 10, Palma 9, Vigil 9, Terso 8, Santos 6, Tambeling 6, Varilla 6, Taganas 4, Sollano 2, Gaco 1.
MARINERONG PILIPINO 74 – Iñigo 14, Sargent 10, Marata 9, Lopez 8, Isip 7, Javillonar 7, Moralde 7, Alabanza 5, Javelona 5, Gumaru 2, Nicholls 0, Publico 0.
Quarters: 23-17, 41-39, 55-59, 76-74.