The Esquires missed out a berth in the round of four in the All-Filipino Conference, finishing just a game behind semifinalist Gilbey's Gin and Toyota.
Francois Wise was Tanduay's lone import in their opening day overtime win over Gilbey's Gin at the start of the Open Conference on August 28 when their other import Reggie Gaines was sent home by coach Freddie Webb for reneging on an earlier agreement, asking for astronomical terms which were not part of the bargain when he agreed to come over.
Tanduay had to win their last game in the eliminations against Toyota, 131-119 on October 27, to force a playoff with the Super Corollas for the last quarterfinals berth.
[2] In the knockout game three nights later on October 30, the Rhum Makers rallied in the final minute to score a dramatic, come-from-behind 111-110 victory over Toyota, behind the plays of Mike Bilbao and Abet Gutierrez.
In the quarterfinal round, the Rhum Makers were tied with Gilbey's and San Miguel with two wins and one loss and they figured in another playoff, this time for the fourth and last ticket to the semifinals against the Beermen.