Tanduay clinches playoff spot after drubbing Wang's

PBA

By Dugout Philippines

PASIG—Tanduay became the third team to book its seat in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup playoffs, stopping Wang's Basketball, 93-81, Tuesday at Ynares Sports Arena.

Paul Varilla took the scoring cudgels in the clutch for the Rhum Masters as he poured five of his nine points in the final three minutes to halt the Couriers’ late uprising and turn a close 82-77 lead with 3:03 to play to a commanding 12-point final spread.

James Martinez paced Tanduay with 16 points off the bench, while Von Tambeling uncorked 15 markers, six rebounds, two assists, and three steals.

Jaymo Eguilos also chimed in 13 points and five boards, while Lester Alvarez had 11 markers, eight assists, and four rebounds in the win as the Rhum Masters solidified their stronghold of the third spot at 6-2.

Tanduay extended its winning streak to three games, and Coach Lawrence Chongson is seeking to further stretch that as he gears towards the quarterfinals.

“We have to stay sharp. Yung focus dapat nandoon, lalo na sa transition defense and we’re really putting emphasis on the team’s collective focus,” he said. “We got sustain the momentum. I’ve been here long enough and we know how it works.”

Wang's saw its two-game winning run halted as it goes down to sixth place with its 5-4 record.

Michael Juico uncorked 24 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while Robbie Herndon had 16 markers and seven boards in the losing effort.

Box Scores:

Tanduay 93-Martinez 16, Tambeling 15, Eguilos 13, Alvarez 11, Taganas 10, Varilla 9, Palma 6, Gaco 5, Sollano 4, Villamor 4, Santos 0, Sanga 0, Vigil 0

Wang's 81-Juico 24, Herndon 16, De Chavez 11, Gabriel 9, Bitoon 7, Ambulodto 5, Habelito 4, Montemayor 2, Arambulo 2, Sorela 1, Riley 0, King 0

Quarterscores: 27-16, 46-38, 66-57, 93-81

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