Cignal crushes Blustar five; Victoria finally nails a win

Cignal-San Beda came alive in the middle quarters to hack out a 109-79 victory over Blustar Detergent for its fourth consecutive victory in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Thursday.

Victoria Sports-MLQU scored a breakthrough win, meanwhile, to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Struggling in the first period, the Hawkeyes drew strength from Robert Bolick, who poured all of his 15 points in the second and third quarters when Cignal seized control on the way to improving to 4-1, tying Cafe France at second spot behind unbeaten Racal.

Victoria Sports-MLQU shocked Jose Rizal University, 76-66, for its first win after four losses.

Robbie Herndon poured eight of his 22 points in the fourth quarter, including the back-to-back fadeaway jumpers in the final minute to wrap up the victory over the Heavy Bombers, who suffered their third straight loss.

Aris Dionisio also dished out a solid game with 20 points, 13 boards, and four blocks, while Chris Bitoon poured 12 points, four assists, and two rebounds.

“I just told my guys to work hard every game because every game, we’re getting better,” said Victoria coach Jino Manansala.
“We shouldn’t mind our losses. The important thing is our improvement.”

Jhaps Bautista put JRU within 58-60, but Dionisio gave the lead back to Victoria, pouring six straight points, to give Victoria a 68-62 lead with 3:17 remaining.