TANDUAY sputtered late but did just enough to turn back Wangs Basketball, 93-81, on Tuesday and secure a quarterfinal spot in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
James Martinez had 16 points, including seven in the final period as the Rhum Masters rolled to their third straight win for a 6-2 record.
Von Tambeling and Jaymo Eguilos added 15 and 13 markers, respectively.
But it was Paul Varilla who shone the brightest in the final stretch as he dropped five of his nine points inside the last three minutes where the Rhum Masters turned a five-point lead into a 91-81 buffer after a Jom Sollano layup.
Lester Alvarez then sealed the match with a pair of free throws for the Rhum Masters, in third spot behind Flying V (8-0) and Cignal (7-2).
"Regardless of the standings, we have to sutain the momentum. We're down to our last two games then playoffs na," said Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson.
Michael Juico led the Couriers' fourth quarter surge by scoring 11 of his 24 points.
Robbie Herndon had 16 markers for Wangs, which dropped to 5-4.
The 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.
Wangs Basketball 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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