PBA D-League: Racal inches closer to top two spot

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Racal closed in on one of the top two spots in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup, repulsing Tanduay, 90-81 Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

“I think the most important game for us is today kasi had we lost, pwede kami bumagsak sa number four,” said coach Caloy Garcia. “Just to make things sure, we want to win against AMA so we get one of the top two spots.”

The Tile Masters solidified their stronghold of the top spot at 9-2, and will have to win against the Titans on August 9 to secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals.

Jonathan Grey paced Racal with 17 points and four rebounds, while Philip Paniamogan also fired 17 markers on a 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc.

Dexter Maiquez and Chris Javier both finished the game with 12 points apiece, while Jamil Ortuoste got 10.

Establishing an early 13-point edge, Garcia still rued his squad’s lack of discipline, allowing Tanduay to recover and get back in the game.

“I’m happy we won today’s game. I just kept on telling the players that it should be a habit, that we can’t take anything for granted. We’re lucky that in second half, we got a good lead again,” he said.

Jaymo Eguilos captained the Rhum Masters, which fell to 7-4, with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Jeff Javillonar got 14 markers and 12 boards.

The Scores:

RACAL 90 – Grey 17, Paniamogan 17, Javier 12, Maiquez 12, Ortuoste 10, Celiz 5, Robles 5, Gabawan 4, Terso 4, Ambulodto 2, Neypes 2, Banal 0, Corpuz 0.

TANDUAY 81 – Eguilos 16, Javillonar 14, Acuna 13, Lingganay 11, Alolino 7, Celda 7, Tagarda 6, Mendoza 5, Gotladera 2, Belencion 0, Javelona 0, Santos 0, Stevens 0.

Quarters: 27-14, 44-37, 67-64, 90-81.