Emil Palma. PBA IMAGES
Tanduay continued to gain steam going into the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup quarterfinals, nipping Racal Motors, 81-72 Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
With their fifth straight victory, the Rhum Masters ended their eliminations campaign with an 8-2 slate, while also giving team owner Bong Tan, who was in the audience, a win.
“Every time he watches, we loses, so we just wanted to break that and also continue our momentum so that we’ll go home smiling,” said coach Lawrence Chongson said of the no-bearing game for the third-seed Tanduay.
Von Tambeling led the Rhum Masters with 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while James Martinez got 12 markers and three dimes.
Emil Palma added 11 points, eight of which coming in the fourth quarter for Tanduay, as they fended off an upset-seeking Racal crew which got to as close as four, 74-70, with four minutes left to play.
Paul Varilla also had 10 markers, six boards, and two assists in the conquest for the Rhum Masters.
Racal suffered its third straight defeat, sixth in its last seven games, to wound up with a 3-6 slate, with a game against CEU on Tuesday remaining in its schedule.
Allan Mangahas poured 14 points to lead his side in the losing effort.
The Scores:
TANDUAY 81 – Tambeling 13, Martinez 12, Palma 11, Varilla 10, Gaco 9, Sollano 7, Eguilos 4, Taganas 4, Vigil 4, Terso 3, Alvarez 2, Santos 2, Villamor 0.
RACAL MOTORS 72 – Mangahas 14, Tallo 10, Cabrera 9, Pontejos 9, Lozada 8, Capacio 6, Faundo 4, Gomez 3, Ortuoste 3, Cortes 2, Grimaldo 2, Octubre 2, Apreku 0, Ayonayon 0.
Quarters: 21-16, 49-44, 68-60, 81-72.