SUSTAINING its fiery form, Racal held off Tanduay, 90-81, last night to close in on a twice-to-beat edge in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Jonathan Grey and Philip Paniamogan finished with 17 points apiece as the Tile Masters followed up their rousing victory over Phoenix with another solid performance against the Rhum Masters.
The Tile Masters kept the lead they had earlier shared with Cafe France after raising their record to 9-2, while the Rhum Masters dropped to fourth with a 7-4 slate.
“We wanted to get the win because we would have dropped to fourth had we lost,” said Racal coach Caloy Garcia. “Just to make sure, we want to win against AMA (on Aug. 9) so we get one of the top two spots.”
Cafe France earlier leaned on JK Casino’s late explosion to repulse AMA Online Education, 86-70, to likewise fortify its top two bid.
Casino sparked the Bakers’ late assault with a couple of triples early in the fourth period as Cafe France bundled out AMA from the semifinal race.
The Tile Masters played with a sense of urgency, racing to an early 13-point lead before cooling off in the middle quarters.
With Dexter Maiquez and Chris Javier combining for 24 points and Jamil Ortuoste adding 10 points, the Tile Masters kept the Rhum Masters at bay for the rest of the second half.
Garcia however was far from satisfied especially at the way the Tile Masters took their foot off the pedal, allowing the Rhum Masters to stay in the thick of the fight.
“We can’t take anything for granted,” he said. “We’re lucky that in second half, we got a good lead again.” With a report from Delfin Dioquino
The scores:
First Game
CAFE FRANCE 86—Ebondo 25, Cruz 21, Casino 20, Zamar 7, Manlangit 5, Abundo 4, Jeruta 2, Parala 2, Anunciacion 0, Arim 0, Custodio 0, Opiso 0.
AMA 70—McCarthy 28, Martinez 15, Ortega 8, Jordan 6, Arambulo 4, Jo. Montemayor 4, Asuncion 3, Taganas 2, Belleza 0, Bragais 0, Macaranas 0, Je. Montemayor 0.
Quarters: 25-20, 45-44, 54-55, 86-70
Second Game:
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