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Racal needed a strong finishing kick powered by Kent Salado to extend its unbeaten start to four games, after dumping Wangs Basketball, 89-84, Thursday in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Salado, the spitfire playmaker out of Arellano, led Racal’s strong finishing kick, firing eight of the Tile Masters’ last 14 points in the final five minutes to hold off the Couriers, who fell to their third loss in four games.
“I warned them not to take Wangs for granted,” Racal coach Jerry Codiñera said. “This was a really tough game for us and hopefully we learned our lesson.”
Cafe France came alive in the third period to whip Jose Rizal University, 75-57, and gain a share of second spot with a 3-1 record.
The Bakers opened the second half with a 17-2 run to turn a close game into a blowout. Aaron Jeruta kept the Heavy Bombers on their heels, extending the lead to 73-52 with 1:53 to play.
“The difference was our approach,” coach Egay Macaraya said. “We mostly tried to give chances to our rookies, but the disadvantage there is they had a hard time adjusting. It’s a good thing that our veterans stepped up.”
Rod Ebundo came up with 21 points, nine rebounds and three blocks, while Paul Desiderio knocked in three treys to finish with 13 points, eight boards, and three assists for the Bakers, who improved to 3-1 for a tie of second spot with Tanduay.
Jhaps Bautista had 13 points, but the Heavy Bombers were held to just 21 points in the second half, dooming them to a second straight defeat after opening the tournament with back-to-back victories.