Gelo Alolino saved the day for the Tanduay Rhum Masters, nailing the go-ahead bucket with 4.6 seconds left to carry his team to a 86-84 win over the AMA Online Education Titans.
That was the former NU playmaker’s lone field goal in the fourth, and it proved to be the most important for the Rhum Masters, as he finished the game with 20 points and seven rebounds.
Reden Celda anchored the fourth quarter uprising for Tanduay as the team fought back from a nine-point deficit early in the frame. He had 11 of his 17 markers in that period.
Jovet Mendoza also got 10 in the win.
“Maganda rin silang barometer sa game na ito. They gave us a run for our money, pero nag-hold pa rin yung character ng team,” said coach Lawrence Chongson. “We’re giving everybody a chance to mature.”
Rashawn McCarthy still had a chance to shine in the endgame, but his potential game-winning trey missed the mark at the buzzer. Despite the victory, Tanduay will still go to the semifinals with a twice-to-beat disadvantage.
James Martinez and McCarthy anchored AMA (4-7) with 32 points apiece.
The Scores:
Tanduay (86) – Alolino 20, Celda 17, Mendoza 10, Lingganay 9, Javillonar 8, Javelona 6, Santos 4, Acuna 3, Belencion 3, Ferrer 3, Stevens 2, Gotladera 1, Eguilos 0.
AMA (84) – Martinez 32, McCarthy 32, Taganas 6, Asuncion 5, Arambulo 3, Belleza 2, Jo. Montemayor 2, Ortega 2, Bragais 0, Calma 0, Jordan 0, Macaranas 0.
Quarterscores: 23-21, 42-35, 61-68, 86-84.
