Unveiling its new system under coach Jerry Codinera, Racal Ceramica put on a 51-point dismantling of Blustar Detergent, 109-58, in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Monday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Rey Nambatac set the tone early, scoring six straight points as the Tile Masters established a 25-8 edge against the inexperienced Dragons after the first quarter.
Racal would further assert its dominance, extending the lead to as high as 53, 109-56, after a Sidney Onwubere three late in the game to open its campaign on a good note.
Nambatac topped the Tile Masters with 16 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, while Donald Gumaru went for 14 markers on a 4-of-5 shooting from threes.
Onwubere added a double-double of 12 points and 10 boards,
Lervin Flores also registered 11 markers and 12 rebounds, and Roider Cabrera also chipped in 11.
Allan Mangahas also marked his PBA D-League return with 10 points and four assists for Racal.
Despite the Tile Masters victory, Codinera said that there’s still a lot to be desired for his team.
“The chemistry is still not evident. We’re still looking for the right combinations,” he said.
Heng Yee Tong led the Dragons with 16 points but committed eight turnovers in the loss.
Mak Long Seng also got 11 markers and 13 rebounds for Blustar.
The Scores:
RACAL 109 – Nambatac 16, Gumaru 14, Onwubere 12, Cabrera 11, Flores 11, Mangahas 10, Torres 9, Corpuz 7, Salado 6, Gabayni 4, Gabawan 4, Singontiko 3, Terso 2, Apreku 0.
BLUSTAR 58 – Heng 16, Mak 11, Liaw 9, Kwaan 7, Yong 6, Choong 4, Shadzwan 2, Gan 2, Ang 1, Zhi 0, Wong 0, Liew 0.
Quarters: 25-8, 50-20, 83-40, 109-58.