The Tanduay Rhum Masters implored its veteran know-hows and blasted the upstart Centro Escolar University Scorpions, 75-60, Tuesday afternoon at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Lester Alvarez showed the way for the Rhum Masters with 16 points and five assists, while Adrian Santos had a near double-double of 16 markers and nine rebounds in the win. Former UE Red Warrior Paul Varilla also had 11 points and five boards for Tanduay.
Jerwin Gaco did not play in the game due to a minor right shoulder injury.
Much to the glee of coach Lawrence Chongson, he feels that his team is finally meeting his expectations after a disastrous 89-63 loss to Cignal HD last Thursday.
“I got a team na puro veterans so they need to step up talaga. I feel doon kami nagkulang sa game namin against Cignal kasi hindi nagdeliver yung mga veterans ko,” he said. “Hopefully, yung pagkatalo sa namin sa Cignal will be a blessing in disguise. Ginulpi nila kami at lahat ng hiya namin, tinanggal nila.
“Hopefully, yun ang maging battlecry namin,” the former UE mentor furthered.
The Rhum Masters finally broke off in the third quarter, using a 30-point outburst to finally grab a commanding 60-42 lead.
Rod Ebondo and JK Casiño kept the Scorpions in the running as the duo trimmed the deficit to 11, 67-56, with 3:19 left, but Emil Palma, Santos, and Alvarez staved off the uprising late to seal the deal for Tanduay.
Ebondo led CEU (0-2) with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Casiño got 11 markers and three assists in the loss.
Tanduay looks to make it two in a row when they face Marinerong Pilipino on Monday, June 19 at 2:00pm . CEU, on the other hand, faces Team Batangas on Thursday, June 15 at 2:00pm.
The Scores:
Tanduay (75) – Alvarez 16, Santos 16, Varilla 11, Taganas 8, Vigil 6, Palma 6, Terso 5, Eguilos 3, Sollano 2, Tambeling 2.
CEU (60) – Ebondo 20, Casiño 11, Manlangit 8, Wamar 7, Cruz 5, Aquino 4, Uri 3, Guinitaran 2, Jeruta 0, Intic 0, Arim 0, Saber 0, Baconcon 0.
Quarterscores: 13-12, 30-28, 60-42, 75-60.
