Racal thwarts Tanduay; Blustar scores

FORMER National U standout Kyle Neypes delivered the telling blows as Racal turned back Tanduay, 96-90, Thursday to seize a share of second spot in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Strike Gym in Bacoor, Cavite.

The power forward poured in five of his eight points in the last 97 seconds, including a triple off the glass with 58.1 seconds remaining, giving the Tile Masters a four-point cushion, 92-88.

The victory was Racal’s fourth in five games, enabling the Tile Masters to tie idle Cafe France at second spot.

Jonathan Grey finished with 18 points, including eight in the final period, while Raphael Banal tallied 16 for the Tile Masters, who allowed Tanduay to rally from a 19-point deficit in the second period before rediscovering their touch down the stretch.

Banal knocked in a lay up to extend the lead to 94-88, before Gelo Alolino missed two desperation triples, spelling doom for the Rhum Masters who fell to 3-2.

“I was disappointed because we got complacent and allowed them to get back in the game,” said Racal coach Caloy Garcia. “Luckily in the end, we made the right shots and right decisions.”

Earlier, Blustar Detergent finally barged into the win column at the expense of Topstar Z.C. Mindanao, 89-75.

Juami Tiongson, Blustar’s Filipino import, carried the fight with 24 points, nine rebounds and four assists as the Malaysian squad recorded its first win in five games to move to fifth spot.

Bannered by players of Asean Basketball League champions Kuala Lumpur Dragons, the Malaysians got their acts together after a horrendous start that included a 62-point defeat to Racal last Tuesday.

Blustar coach Goh Cheng Huat singled out Tiongson, the former Ateneo guard who saw action for Blackwater Elite in the PBA, for a masterful performance.

“I give the credit to Tiongson,” said coach Goh. “He’s the guy who is pushing our whole team. We need one guy like him.”
Wong Yi Hou contributed 19 points and seven rebounds for the Dragons who inflicted a fourth straight loss on the Aguilas.

The scores:
First Game
BLUSTAR 89—Tiongson 24, Wong 19, Kuek 18, Choo 9, Ma 8, Ting 6, Yeo 5, Liaw 0, Mak 0, Ong 0, Palma 0, Teo 0, Tong 0.
TOPSTAR Z.C. MINDANAO 75—Jumao-as 16, Garcia 11, Ferrer 10, Ongteco 10, Cawaling 7, Acosta 6, Argamino 4, Tano 4, Rono 3, Sarangay 3, Rivera 1, Cabrera 0, Ignacio 0.
Quarters: 24-16, 48-33, 72-54, 89-75
Second Game
RACAL 96—Grey 18, Banal 16, Maiquez 9, Terso 9, Javier 8, Neypes 8, Robles 8, Gabawan 7, Ortuoste 7, Celiz 6, Corpuz 0, Paniamogan 0.
TANDUAY 90—Acuna 17, Alolino 15, Lingganay 12, Javillonar 11, Santos 9, Mendoza 8, Vigil 8, Celda 7, Tagarda 2, Gotladera 1, Acibar 0, Belencion 0, Enguio 0.
Quarters: 20-14, 44-39, 70-71, 96-90