Jerwin Gaco. PBA IMAGES
Tanduay annihilated Zark’s Burgers in record-setting fashion, 141-65, Monday in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Rhum Masters set new PBA D-League records for most points scored in a game, eclipsing Racal Motors’ previous 140 against the Jawbreakers last June 8, and the biggest winning margin, topping the 67-point blowout by Cignal over Gamboa Coffee Mix last June 15.
But Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson downplayed his team’s feat and said what’s important to him and the players is winning.
“Those records mean nothing if we don’t make it to the next round. The only record we want is to be a champion,” he said.
Jerwin Gaco wasted no time as he set the tone early, uncorking 14 of his 21 points during the Rhum Masters’ 35-6 start. He also had eight rebounds and three assists in the victory.
James Martinez also had a hand in the rout as he went 5-of-8 from threes to finish with 23 markers on top of nine assists and two rebounds.
Paul Sanga added 20 points and four rebounds, and had the privilege to secure the record-setting basket with an undergoal stab in the dwindling seconds of the game.
Paul Varilla added 15 markers and eight boards, as all 14 players were able to log at least two points in the blowout.
Chongson attributed the huge conquest to the team’s collective resolve as Tanduay sought to bounce back from its 104-89 loss to Flying V last Thursday.
“It just so happened that we started strong. We’re coming from a loss and all we wanted was going on Thursday’s game because we want to have momentum in our game against Batangas,” he said as the Rhum Masters forced a three-way tie at third place with CEU and Batangas, all carrying an identical 4-2 slate.
Robby Celiz paced Zark’s Burgers with 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while Jerome Ferrer got 12 markers and four boards.
The Jawbreakers suffered their fourth straight defeat and stayed at the cellar with a 1-7 record.
The scores:
TANDUAY 141 – Martinez 23, Gaco 21, Sanga 20, Varilla 15, Alvarez 11, Villamor 10, Eguilos 9, Vigil 9, Terso 7, Santos 5, Sollano 5, Palma 2, Taganas 2, Tambeling 2.
ZARK’S BURGERS 65 – Celiz 13, Ferrer 12, Bautista 11, De Leon 10, Cudal 6, Cariaga 5, Mangahas 5, Nalos 2, Argamino 1, Cayabyab 0, De Ocampo 0.
Quarters: 35-6, 58-29, 95-45, 141-65.