Tanduay wins 3rd in row as Cruz sizzles

They’re nowhere near a championship team, but Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson likes how the Rhum Masters are growing steadily into a solid contender in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.

With Mark Cruz taking charge this time, the Rhum Masters picked up their third straight win at the expense of Victoria Sports-MLQU, 86-72, Tuesday in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at

JCSGO Gym in Cubao.

Five days after teammate Bong Quinto dished out his best game in the league, Cruz, the former Letran star, got his share of the spotlight, pumping in 22 points in the first half on 5-of-6 shooting as the Rhum Masters climbed to solo second behind Racal with 3-1 card.

Raffy Reyes added 10 points and four assists, while veteran Jaymo Eguilos had nine points and 10 boards for the Rhum Masters, whose lone loss so far came against the Cafe France Bakers.

The Bakers moved into a three-way tie for third spot with a 2-1 record after an 88-52 crushing of Blu Star Malaysia.

Paul Desiderio waxed hot from beyond the arc with five triples to lead the Bakers with 19 points, while Rod Ebondo also proved solid with 14 points and eight rebounds. The Bakers had 14 players scoring at least two points in a resounding response to a 74-88 loss to Cignal San Beda last Thursday.

Cafe France coach Egay Macaraya said the Bakers still need to work on playing as a unit.