Tile Masters slay Titans

PBA IMAGES

Racal got its act together just in time as it overcame powerhouse AMA Online Education, 78-73, Tuesday to seize a share of top spot in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Undaunted by the Titans’ star-studded roster, the Tile Masters used a strong finishing kick to roll to a second straight win for a tie with Jose Rizal U at the top while pinning a first defeat on AMA.

Racal came out aggressive in the opening period, before the Titans held the Tile Masters to just 22 points in the middle quarters.

But NCAA standouts Kent Salado, Sydney Onwubere and Rey Nambatac delivered the telling blows in the final period, where the Tile Masters climbed their way back from a seven-point hole, 63-56, with six minutes left. A triple from Onwubere gave Racal the lead for good, 70-68, with three minutes to go.

“We weren’t able to adjust with the way we defended, but I’m glad the players put more effort in the fourth quarter,” said coach Jerry Codiñera, who drew a combined 38 points from Salado, Onwubere and Nambatac.

Teng and Tiongson joined forces for 44 points, but coach Mark Herrera struggled to get more production from his reserves as the Titans fell to solo third.

Earlier, Joseph Sedurifa kept his solid play as Batangas scored a breakthrough win at the expense of Victoria Sports-MLQU, 88-85.

Sedurifa came up with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while Dan Sara tallied 15 points, five boards, and three assists for the Batangueños, who improved to 1-2. Cedric Ablaza chalked up 15 points and seven rebounds.

Batangas coach Eric Gonzales was delighted over his team’s performance, noting the vast improvement from its first two games.