Bong Quinto fired 28 points and the Tanduay Light Rhum Masters went on a field day to pull off the 99-93 victory over AMA Online Education Titans, Thursday evening in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Letran scorer fired 12 of his 28 points in the payoff period to help the Rhum Masters escape with the win after losing hold of a 15-point edge, 61-46 in the third period.
Quinto also hauled down five rebounds, four assists, and three steals for Tanduay, which improved its record to 2-1.
Paul Sanga also shot 5-of-9 from beyond the arc to end up with 22 markers, while Raphy Reyes scored 16 points as the Rhum Masters shot 62-percent from the field.
Still, coach Lawrence Chongson believes that his players can show more in their coming games.
“I’m not satisfied because I believe we could give more. But hopefully, naging magandang experience ito for us. Maganda na ma-challenge na kami for tougher battles ahead,” he said.
Jeron Teng pulled AMA within four, 92-88 with 1:05 left, but Quinto took charge in the final minute, canning the crucial freebies and setting up the dagger layup from Adrian Santos with 17.2 seconds remaining.
Tanduay shot a blistering 62 percent from the field, including 9-of-15 from distance. This negated the 23 turnovers they committed that led to 31 AMA points.
Teng topped the Titans with 26 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while PJ Barua had 25 markers, three dimes and two boards, as they absorbed their second straight defeat.
Tanduay, on the other hand, will face Victoria Sports-MLQU the next day, Tuesday, February 6, at 11:00 AM. AMA Online Education look to snap out of their skid when they face the JRU Heavy Bombers in a battle of two school-based squads next week Monday, February 6, at 1:00 PM. Both games will be held at JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
The Scores:
Tanduay Light 99 – Quinto 28, Sanga 22, Reyes 16, Santos 9, Eguilos 6, Moralde 6, Palma 6, Raymundo 6, Cenal 0, Cruz 0, Sollano 0, Varilla 0.
AMA Online Education 93 – Teng 26, Barua 25, Tiongson 17, Arambulo 11, Olayon 6, Taganas 4, Alabanza 2, Bragais 2, Jordan 0, Macaranas 0, Riley 0.
Quarterscores: 26-23, 47-41, 67-61, 99-93.
