Racal mauls AMA in PBA D-League debut

Racal Tile Masters. PBA IMAGES

Racal showed that it didn’t miss a beat as the Tile Masters routed AMA Online Education, 100-67, in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Tuesday at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.

Dexter Maiquez led in scoring for Racal with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Raphael Banal added 15 markers.

Jonathan Grey ignited the rout with all of his 13 points coming in the first half, while ex-pro Robby Celiz chipped in 11 markers and six boards.

“Ang instruction ko lang sa mga players, kailangan naming manalo, lalo na sa mga ex-pro na gusto makabalik sa PBA para naman makita ng mga teams na galing sila sa winning team,” said coach Caloy Garcia, whose the Tile Masters showed willingness to share the rock with 23 assists.

“We just emphasized on our ball movement and don’t rely on individual talent and instead on teamwork, and I think we’re sharing the ball pretty well today.”

The Tile Masters went on a 16-2 barrage to end the second quarter and break the game wide open, 49-30, at the half. They padded the advantage later and led by as much as 35, 100-65.

The big win is also a huge morale boost for Racal, which lost Jiovani Jalalon and Jason Perkins in the offseason.

“Nasayangan kami sa nangyari last conference,” Garcia said, looking back on the Tile Masters’ underwhelming semifinals finish. “When we play top teams, we have to bring same intensity every game.”

John Ragasa paced the still winless Titans with 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Ryan Arambulo ended up with 14 markers and five boards.

The Scores:

RACAL 100 – Maiquez 16, Banal 15, Grey 13, Celiz 11, Paniamogan 9, Corpuz 7, Javier 6, Robles 5, Gabawan 4, Ortuoste 4, Ruaya 4, McCarthy 3, Terso 3, Lozada 0.
AMA 67 – Ragasa 16, Arambulo 14, Belleza 12, Publico 12, Asuncion 3, Magpantay 3, Calma 2, Macaranas 2, Je. Montemayor 2, Jo. Montemayor 1, Bragais 0, Carpio 0, Dizon 0, Jordan 0.

Quarters: 23-17, 49-30, 71-45, 100-67.