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PBA D-League: Tanduay downs Victoria Sports, moves to solo 2nd

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ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/sports/02/07/pba-020717.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Mark Cruz looks to make a play for Tanduay while being defended by Zach Nichols of Victoria Sports in their PBA D-League Aspirants Cup game. Photo courtesy of the PBA Media Bureau</div></figcaption></figure></div>MANILA, Philippines – The Tanduay Rhum Masters are now in solo second place in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup after they defeated Victoria Sports-MLQU, 86-72, on Tuesday at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.Mark Cruz scored all 22 of his points in the first half, making five of his six three pointers, to set the tone for the Rhum Masters. He also finished with four assists and three rebounds.Raphy Reyes contributed 10 points, four assists, and three boards, while Jaymo Eguilos just missed out on a double-double with nine points and ten rebounds.Tanduay improved to 3-1, just behind Racal (3-0) in the league standings.The Rhum Masters nearly squandered an 18-point first-half lead as Victoria Sports came to within four points, 59-63, heading into the final frame thanks to Aris Dionisio&#x27;s efforts.However, Tanduay unleashed an 11-0 run to open the payoff frame, giving them a 74-59 lead. Victoria Sports was never able to recover.&quot;Bilog ang bola. &#x27;Yung kalaban namin, they won&#x27;t lie down and play dead,&quot; said Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson. &quot;But for us, we just wanted to continue our progress and our build-up, especially towards our next games.&quot;Dionisio finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks, as Victoria Sports dropped to 0-3 in the conference. Edsel Mag-isa added 14 points and three assists.In the first game, Café France thoroughly dominated Blustar Detergent, 88-52.Paul Desiderio scattered 19 points and three assists for the Bakers, while Rod Ebondo finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. But every player contributed to the cause, as all 14 players fielded in by Egay Macaray scored at least two points in the rout.It was Café France&#x27;s defense that proved key for them, however, as they limited the Dragons to only six points in the second period to take a 51-22 lead at the half.Macaraya commended his players for their all-out effort, but said they still need to develop their chemistry as they prepare to face tougher foes.&quot;Gusto ko pa sila mag-jell,&quot; he said. &quot;I have four new players here, so kahit na lamang kami, our rotation is still the same. I want our team to jell, because we know that our next games will be tougher.&quot;The victory allowed Café France to improve to 2-1, and bounce back from their 74-88 loss to Cignal-San Beda last Thursday.Mark Long Seng had 15 points, nine rebounds, and two assists for Blustar, who also dropped to 0-3. New acquisition Jason Melano had 12 points, three boards, and three dimes in the loss.<div>The scores:</div>First gameCAFE FRANCE 88 - Desiderio 19, Ebondo 14, Veron 9, Manlangit 8, Gabriel 7, Arim 6, Aquino 4, Guinitaran 4, Jeruta 4, Calisaan 3, Casino 3, Opiso 3, Faundo 2, Wamar 2.BLUSTAR 52 - Mak 15, Melano 12, Kwaan 11, Heng 5, Ong 5, Ang 4, Choong 0, Gan 0, Kamalrulzaman 0, Liaw 0, Liew 0, Wong 0, Chin 0.Quarters: 21-16, 51-22, 68-36, 88-52.Second gameTANDUAY 86 - Cruz 22, Reyes 10, Eguilos 9, Quinto 9, Sanga 9, Santos 9, Sollano 8, Palma 5, Raymundo 3, Cenal 2, Ibay 0, Napoles 0, Varilla 0.VICTORIA SPORTS 72 - Dionisio 16, Mag-isa 14, Nicholls 12, Lao 6, Bitoon 5, Koga 5, Grimaldo 4, Sorela 4, Herndon 3, Ragasa 3, Butron 0.Quarters: 27-17, 53-38, 63-59, 86-72.For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/" target="_blank">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

The Tanduay Rhum Masters are now in solo second place in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup after they defeated Victoria Sports-MLQU, 86-72, on Tuesday at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.

The Tanduay Rhum Masters are now in solo second place in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup after they defeated Victoria Sports-MLQU, 86-72, on Tuesday at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.