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Racal fought back from seven points down and pulled off a 78-73 victory over AMA Online Education Tuesday in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Tile Masters clawed their way back from a 63-56 Titans lead midway in the fourth before Sidney Onwubere gave them their first lead of the game, 70-68, with three minutes left to play.
Racal then clamped down on defense and limited AMA to just two points in the final two minutes of the game.
Kent Salado showed the way for the Tile Masters with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Onwubere got a double-double with his 14 markers and 11 boards.
Rey Nambatac also had 10 points in the win.
Coach Jerry Codinera admitted that his side felt complacent going against the Titans.
“Actually, we underestimated AMA because of their height. We didn’t adjust the way we defend but thankfully with their effort, they believed we could win.”
Racal joined Jose Rizal University at the top of the standings with 2-0, while AMA dropped its first game in three outings.
Jeron Teng still paced the Titans with 23 points, but shot 10-of-25 from the field, on top of 10 rebounds and three assists.
Juami Tiongson also had 21 markers in the loss.
The Scores:
RACAL 78 – Salado 14, Onwubere 14, Nambatac 10, Cabrera 8, Corpuz 8, Flores 7, Mangahas 6, Gabawan 3, Gumaru 2, Terso 2, Torres 2, Apreku 0, Gabayni 0, Singontiko 0.
AMA 73 – Teng 23, Tiongson 21, Alabanza 9, Bragais 7, Arambulo 6, Barua 3, Olayon 2, Taganas 2, Calma 0, Macaranas 0, Riley 0.
Quarters: 30-18, 40-41, 52-55, 78-73.