PBA D-League: Tanduay battles back, deals Cafe France its first loss

Tanduay Rhum Blazers. PBA IMAGES

Tanduay battled back from 20-points down and shocked Cafe France, 84-80, Thursday in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Rhum Masters trailed 47-27 near the end of the first half before clamping down on defense in the second half and eventually tying the Bakers, 78-all with 2:17 left.

With the game locked again at 80, Santos drilled a huge undergoal stab to put his team up, 82-80. Aaron Jeruta tried to tie the game with a floater, but Louie Vigil was there to block the attempt as Celda iced the win at the charity stripe.

“Yung baon lang namin tapang at lakas ng loob. Di kami nag-give up,” said a victorious coach Lawrence Chongson. “Madami kaming lapses pero ang kalaban namin defending champion eh. Ang di ko lang matatanggal is yung pagpupursigi ng mga bata. Handa silang magpakamatay para manalo.”

Gelo Alolino captained the big win for the Rhum Masters with 22 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Adrian Santos poured eight of his 17 markers in the fourth period, alongside his nine boards.

Reden Celda also had 12 points and eight rebounds in the win to improve Tanduay to 3-1.

“Yung mga bata, mahilig sa drama. Papatambak muna bago habulin. Buti na pang we woke up in the nick of time,” said Chongson.

Rod Ebondo topped Cafe France, which absorbed its first loss for a 3-1 card, with 15 points and 15 rebounds, while Samboy de Leon and Carl Bryan Cruz also ended up with 15 markers apiece.

The Scores:

TANDUAY 84 – Alolino 22, Santos 17, Celda 12, Vigil 9, Belencion 6, Javillonar 6, Acuna 4, Mendoza 4, Gotladera 2, Tagarda 2, Enguio 0, Lingganay 0, Stevens 0.
CAFE FRANCE 80 – Cruz 15, De Leon 15, Ebondo 15, Zamar 10, Jeruta 8, Manlangit 8, Casino 6, Opiso 2, Villahermosa 1, Abundo 0, Parala 0.

Quarters: 18-20, 30-47, 50-59, 84-80.