PBA IMAGES
RACAL captured the top seed for the first time and likewise dashed Cafe France’s hopes of clinching the last semifinal bonus in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup yesterday at JCSGO Gym.
Even minus coach Egay Macaraya, Cafe France did its part by whipping Topstar Z.C. Mindanao, 93-67, to gain a shot at the twice-to-beat edge, the incentive given to the top two teams at the end of the elimination round.
But Racal spoiled all that just a few hours later with a 105-76 rout of AMA Online to grab the No. 1 spot with a 10-2 record.
Cafe France fell into a tie with idle Phoenix at 9-3, but the Accelerators claimed the No. 2 berth and the remaining semifinal bonus due to a superior quotient.
The Bakers could have gone as high as No. 1 had their victory been coupled with a Tile Masters’ loss since they hold the tiebreak edge in a three-way tie.
“Nakakahinayang (It’s regretful),” said Cafe France deputy Mike Buendia, who called the shots with fellow assistant Yong Garcia as Macaraya served a one-game suspension.
“We lost some crucial games [in the past], but that’s how it is.”
The Final Four gets going tomorrow with Racal vying to clinch its first title berth versus fourth-ranked Tanduay at 4 p.m. at Strike Gym in Bacoor, Cavite.
Phoenix and Cafe France, the champions in the last two conferences, clash in the other semifinal pairing at 6 p.m.
The scores:
First Game
CAFE FRANCE 93—Cruz 23, Parala 12, Zamar 12, Manlangit 11, Opiso 10, Abundo 6, Arim 6, Custodio 6, Casino 3, Anunciacion 2, Jeruta 2.
TOPSTAR Z.C. MINDANAO 67—Jumao-as 20, Cawaling 12, Garcia 9, Ongteco 7, Santos 7, Argamino 4, Julkipli 3, Rivera 3, Sarangay 2, Dadjilul 0, Tano 0.
Quarters: 22-18, 48-36, 64-52, 93-67
Second Game
RACAL 105—Grey 17, Paniamogan 16, Corpuz 15, Javier 11, Ortuoste 11, Terso 11, Cabrera 6, Maiquez 6, Robles 6, Ambulodto 4, Gabawan 2, Neypes 2, Celiz 1.
AMA ONLINE 76—McCarthy 26, Martinez 15, Arambulo 12, Asuncion 7, Ortega 4, Malones 3, Calma 2, Jordan 2, Jo. Montemayor 2, Taganas 2, Macaranas 1, Belleza 0, Carpio 0.
Quarters: 20-16, 53-39, 83-60, 105-76