Strong Cignal

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It’s a breakthrough victory that meant so much more for Cignal-San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez.

Having formed his team just a couple of weeks ago, there were doubts on the Hawkeyes’ ability to contend in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.

Two games into their debut conference, the Hawkeyes quashed those questions with an emphatic 88-74 triumph over former champion Cafe France on Monday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

“Winning against a champion team like Cafe France gives us confidence and trust in ourselves,” said Fernandez.

Cignal leaned on a strong start, before turning to Byron Villarias in the second half, where he poured 16 of his 21 points on a 5-of-8 clip from three-point area.

Former La Salle standout Jason Perkins also gave the Hawkeyes a lift with 14 points and eight rebounds.

Cignal survived a monster performance from Congolese big man Rod Ebondo who had 29 points, 16 rebounds and two blocks.

Tanduay, drawing a big game from pint-sized guard Mark Cruz who pumped in 27 points, also bounced back with a 94-81 drubbing of Wangs Basketball.

Cignal, Cafe France, Tanduay and Wangs all tote 1-1 records for joint fourth place.