Surging Racal fells Phoenix

Mindanao Aguilas’ Mark Acosta (right) elevates to palm away a shot by Jovet Mendoza of Tanduay in yesterday’s game at Ynares Sports Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

RACAL came out with all guns blazing in the final period to turn back pacesetter Phoenix, 93-78, Thursday night to keep in step with Tanduay at third spot in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena.

With Jamil Ortuoste and Jonathan Grey on the firing end, the Tile Masters delivered a strong finishing kick to topple the Accelerators and notch their fifth win in seven outings, pulling level with the Rhum Masters who pipped Topstar ZC Mindanao, 84-81, earlier.

Ortuoste, the former San Sebastian standout, finished with 20 points, while Grey, who played for St. Benilde in the NCAA last season, added 19.

The Tile Masters stunned the Accelerators with a 19-5 tear to erect a 92-76 edge with 1:16 left to play.

“We’re trying to make it to the top two,” said coach Caloy Garcia.

Just two days after surviving an overtime duel against Blustar Detergent, the Rhum Masters pounced on a lapse in concentration by the Aguilas down the stretch.

The Aguilas were slapped with a technical foul with 17 seconds remaining after JR Cawaling sued for time even after Mindanao had used all its timeouts.

Rudy Lingganay kept his composure, nailing four free throws, including the two that came off the technical, boosting the Rhum Masters.

A desperation triple from Robin Roño only hit the iron as the Rhum Masters completed the stunning turnaround.
Playing against his former team, Roño had 22 points to match Cawaling’s output.

The scores:
First Game
TANDUAY 84—Lingganay 15, Vigil 14, Acuna 11, Belencion 10, Alolino 9, Javillonar 9, Gotladera 7, Mendoza 5, Celda 2, Santos 2, Acibar 0, Enguio 0, Stevens 0, Tagarda 0.
TOPSTAR ZC MINDANAO 81—Cawaling 22, Rono 22, Ignacio 11, Jumao-as 10, Acosta 6, Cabrera 6, Garcia 3, Rivera 1, Argamino 0, Ongteco 0, Sarangay 0, Tano 0.
Quarters: 17-16, 37-33, 59-60, 84-81.
Second Game
RACAL 93—Ortuoste 20, Grey 19, Celiz 11, Maiquez 9, Robles 9, Javier 8, Corpuz 6, Paniamogan 5, Gabawan 4, Banal 2, Neypes 0, Terso 0.
PHOENIX 78—Belo 22, Pogoy 16, Tolomia 13, Daquioag 5, Andrada 4, Batino 4, Escoto 4, Jamito 4, Mendoza 4, Knuttel 2.
Quarters: 29-22, 40-38, 65-64, 93-78.