The Tanduay Rhum Masters became the third team to book its seat in the Foundation Cup playoffs, stopping the Wangs Basketball Couriers, 93-81, Tuesday evening at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Paul Varilla took the scoring cudgels in the clutch for the Rhum Masters as he poured five of his nine points in the final three minutes to halt the Couriers’ late uprising and turn a close 82-77 lead with 3:03 to play to a commanding 12-point final spread.
James Martinez paced Tanduay with 16 points off the bench, while Von Tambeling uncorked 15 markers, six rebounds, two assists, and three steals.
Jaymo Eguilos also chimed in 13 points and five boards, while Lester Alvarez had 11 markers, eight assists, and four rebounds in the win as the Rhum Masters solidified their stronghold of the third spot at 6-2.
Tanduay extended its winning streak to three games, and coach Lawrence Chongson is seeking to further stretch that as he gears towards the quarterfinals.
“We have to stay sharp. Yung focus dapat nandoon, lalo na sa transition defense and we’re really putting emphasis on the team’s collective focus,” he said. “We got sustain the momentum. I’ve been here long enough and we know how it works.”
Wangs saw its two-game winning run halted as it goes down to sixth place with its 5-4 record.
Michael Juico uncorked 24 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while Robbie Herndon had 16 markers and seven boards in the losing effort.
Tanduay plays its penultimate game in the elimination round when it faces the AMA Online Education Titans on Monday, July 24 at 5:00pm. Wangs, on the other hand, will face the Marinerong Pilipino Skippers on Thursday, July 20.
The Scores:
Tanduay (93) – Martinez 16, Tambeling 15, Eguilos 13, Alvarez 11, Taganas 10, Varilla 9, Palma 6, Gaco 5, Sollano 4, Villamor 4, Santos 0, Sanga 0, Vigil 0.
Wangs Basketball (81) – Juico 24, Herndon 16, De Chavez 11, Gabriel 9, Bitoon 7, Ambulodto 5, Habelito 4, Montemayor 2, Arambulo 2, Sorela 1, Riley 0, King 0.
Quarterscores: 27-16, 46-38, 66-57, 93-81.
