By Meg Siozon
PASIG CITY—Tanduay Rhum Masters demolished cellar dweller Zark’s Burger Jawbreakers, 141-65, at the ongoing 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena on Monday.
It was a perfect redemption for the Rhum Masters after suffering a harsh 89-104 defeat against the league leader Flying V Thunder last July 6.
The combined efforts of Jerwin Gaco and Paul Varilla propelled Tanduay in a staggering 35-6 lead in the opening quarter. Although, the Jawbreakers inhibited Tanduay from breaking away by responding to shots in the second period, the countless hiccups of Zark’s was capitalized by the Masters resulting to a 58-29 advantage in the halftime break.
The Rhum Master’s flawless performance earned them another record in the PBA D-league’s history books for most points scored in a game, erasing Racal Motors’ 140 points against the Jawbreakers and bagged the biggest winning margin, upsetting Cignal HD Hawkeye’s 67-point lead against Gamboa Coffee Lovers.
In an interview conducted by PTV Sports, Tanduay head coach Lawrence Chongson said that those records are insignificant unless they win the championship.
“Wala naman kaming mapapala dyan… probably just avoiding a loss and avoiding injuries. Ang kulang na lang naman namin is championship at yun ang gusto namin,” he said.
James Martinez was the top performer for the Rhum Masters’ with his total output of 23 markers, 9 assists and 2 rebounds. While, Jerwin Gaco and Paul Sanga finishes off with a combined output of 41 points, and 12 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Robby Celiz trooped Zark’s Burgers with his losing effort of 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Jerome Ferrer contributed 12 markers and 4 assists.
The Scores:
TANDUAY RHUM (141) – Martinez 23, Gaco 21, Sanga 20, Varilla 15, Alvarez 11, Villamor 10, Eguilos 9, Vigil 9, Terso 7, Santos 5, Sollano 5, Taganas 2, Palma 2, Tambeling 2.
ZARK’S BURGER (65) – Celiz 13, Ferrer 12, Bautista 11, de Leon 10, Cudal 6, Cariaga 5, Mangahas 5, Nalos 2, Argamino 1, Cayabyab 0, de Ocampo 0.
Period Scores: 35-6, 58-29, 95-45, 141-65.
