The third-seeded Tanduay Rhum Masters sustained their hot streak and rolled over the Racal Motors Alibaba, 81-72, Thursday afternoon at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Rhum Masters claimed their fifth straight win to hike their record to 8-2 and continue gaining momentum going into the quarterfinals.
But for coach Lawrence Chongson, he’s just happy that the team was able to come out on top with owner Bong Tan in attendance.
“Every time he watches, we lose, so we just wanted to break that. Para makatikim naman siya ng panalo at para rin nakangiti kami na umuwi. Momentum-builder na rin sa amin papasok sa playoffs,” he said.
Von Tambeling anchored the all-out assault for Tanduay with 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while James Martinez had 12 markers and three dimes.
Emil Palma chimed eight of his 11 points in the fourth quarter, where the Rhum Masters denied Racal the upset after getting to as close as four, 74-70, with four minutes remaining.
Allan Mangahas topped Racal (3-6) with 14 points as they fell to their sixth loss in seven games.
The Scores:
Tanduay 81 – Tambeling 13, Martinez 12, Palma 11, Varilla 10, Gaco 9, Sollano 7, Eguilos 4, Taganas 4, Vigil 4, Terso 3, Alvarez 2, Santos 2, Villamor 0.
Racal Motors 72 – Mangahas 14, Tallo 10, Cabrera 9, Pontejos 9, Lozada 8, Capacio 6, Faundo 4, Gomez 3, Ortuoste 3, Cortes 2, Grimaldo 2, Octubre 2, Apreku 0, Ayonayon 0.
Quarterscores: 21-16, 49-44, 68-60, 81-72.
