Tanduay snags 4th, escapes JRU

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Tanduay punched the last twice-to-beat ticket in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup quarterfinals, edging Jose Rizal University, 73-69, Tuesday at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.

Mark Cruz unloaded 12 of his side’s last 14 points to finish with 20 markers, seven assists, and two rebounds to deliver the Rhum Masters the fourth seed with their 6-3 record.

“I live and die by him. Maybe it’s also a good thing that I don’t have other playmakers and his minutes are getting extended,” said coach Lawrence Chongson.

Cruz nailed the biggest shots late as Tanduay shook off its early struggles and roared in the second half, where it clawed back from a nine-point deficit, 38-29, early in the third frame.

Jaymo Eguilos added 14 markers and nine rebounds, Jerwin Gaco tallied a double-double of 12 points and 10 boards, and Bong Quinto had 11 markers and five rebounds to push the Rhum Masters to the victory.

Tanduay is now set for a collision course in the quarterfinals against AMA Online Education, with the Rhum Masters enjoying the twice-to-beat incentive.

Chongson is hopeful that his side’s three-game winning run to end the eliminations will bring nothing but great things for Tanduay in the playoffs.

“I hope what happened to us puts us in good stead. The chemistry I’m looking for, I hope they show that in the playoffs,” he said.

Joseph Marquez led JRU (4-5) with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Tey Teodoro and Jhaps Bautista also logged 15 markers each.

The Heavy Bombers now go on to the quarterfinals as the sixth-seed with a twice-to-win disadvantage as they are set to face third-seed Cafe France.

The Scores:

TANDUAY 73 – Cruz 20, Eguilos 14, Gaco 12, Quinto 11, Sanga 10, Santos 5, Sollano 1, Stevens 0, Varilla 0, Vigil 0, Villamor 0.

JRU 69 – Bautista 15, Marquez 15, Teodoro 15, Amboludto 9, Grospe 8, Poutouochi 5, Lasquety 2, Dela Virgen 0, Publico 0.

Quarters: 16-14, 29-35, 56-57, 73-69.