Tanduay foils Phoenix, forces ‘rubber’

MANILA, Philippines – Tanduay held sway as Phoenix went into a horrendous meltdown in the fourth period and came away with an emphatic 89-75 victory yesterday to force a rubber match for the PBA D-League Foundational Cup at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.

With Gelo Alolino on the firing end, the Rhum Masters took charge in the middle quarters then outscored the Accelerators, 28-19, in the last 10 minutes to  avenge their 76-84 setback in Game One and stay on track for a first-ever D-League championship.

Alolino scattered 10 of his game-high 26-point effort in the payoff period, keying the Rhum Masters’ decisive run and leading the team to another victory while facing elimination.

“Like what I’ve said, this team thrives in no-tomorrow games,” said Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson, who steered the Rhum Masters past the twice-to-beat top seed Racal Tile Masters in the semis. “But before we get too ahead, all we did was tied the series.”

The rubber match is set tomorrow at 5 p.m., also at the Biñan venue.

The Rhum Masters led by just five after three quarters but pulled away at 72-59 as Alolino hit a triple, Jaymo Eguilos converted on a pass by Reden Celda and Jeoffrey Javillonar scored on a strong move in the last 5:33.

Tanduay also pounced on Mac Belo’s ejection with 4:49 left after the Phoenix top gun incurred his second technical.

?Ed Daquioag topped Phoenix with 18 points, three assists, and two rebounds, while Belo got 16 markers, four boards, and three assists.

Tanduay’s victory also spoiled Mike Tolomia’s day after the ace Phoenix playmaker earlier bagged the conference MVP award after norming 19.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists and leading the Accelerators back to the finals.