WITH ex-pros Mark Cruz and Jerwin Gaco providing the spark, Tanduay snapped a two-game skid with an 86-66 romp of Batangas on Monday in the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Aspirants’ Cup at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
Brandishing their experience playing in the Philippine Basketball Association, Cruz and Gaco practically dominated their young rivals as the Rhum Masters stop the bleeding and improved to a 4-3 card.
Cruz finished with 29 points, three assists and two rebounds, while Gaco was equally impressive with 22 points, 11 boards and three assists in his Tanduay debut.
“The whole country knows Jerwin Gaco, his experience and his tenacity. Maybe he has more left in his tank and we thank the heavens for that,” Tanduay Coach Lawrence Chongson said.
The Rhum Masters unleashed a 24-8 second quarter run with Cruz and Gaco combining for 16 points, before erecting a 41-27 halftime edge. The lead ballooned to 22, 86-64, late in the game.
Jaymo Eguilos also chipped in 11 points and four rebounds, while Bong Quinto had 10 markers, six assists and four boards for the Rhum Masters.
The win wasn’t only beneficial for Tanduay as it clinched quarterfinal seats for Racal, CaféFrance, and AMA Online Education.
Joseph Sedurifa topped Batangas (3-5) with 14 points, Jessie Saitanan got 11 points and four boards, and Dan Sara got 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.