Tempers flared up, elbows flew and there were lots of banging of bodies with both teams assessed of a technical foul each. The Rhum Masters, however, proved steadier in the end of the gruelling game as they came away with the win that kept them in the hunt for a spot in the lower half of the Final Eight seeding.
Snapping a two-game losing skein, Tanduay drew level with Pop Cola at eighth place with identical 3-5 (win-loss) marks. The Rhum Masters moved within half-game of the seventh-running Mobiline Phone Pals (3-4) while padding to a full game their lead over last placer Shell Turbochargers (2-6).
"The idea was to be the aggressor, be physical and tough and make them (Hotdogs) earn their points," said Tanduay coach Derick Pumaren.
Playing rugged in the fourth period, the Rhum Masters seized control and went on to foil the Hotdogs’ bid to gain a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarters. Purefoods fell to 5-3.
In a last-ditch attempt to boost its bid, Pop Cola enlisted a new import in five-year NBA veteran Jamie Watson to replace the ineffective Jason Sasser.
San Miguel Beer kept its poise and confidence in the face of a spirited Ginebra chase in the fourth quarter and gained a twice-to-beat privilege in the quarters with a 101-92 victory in the second game.