D-League: Cignal a win away from outright semis

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Cignal-San Beda made quick work of Jose Rizal University with a wire-to-wire 94-50 win to strengthen its hold of the top spot in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Robert Bolick led the all-out attack for the Hawkeyes with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block.

Ben Adamos also added 11 markers and two boards, while Andreas Cahilig also got 11 points and four rebounds.

“We’re very happy with the way we played today. We stuck with our game plan and we were able to limit (Tey) Teodoro and (Paolo) Pontejos,” said coach Boyet Fernandez, whose side forced the usually sweet-shooting JRU backcourt to just six points in the game.

Cignal moved a win away from clinching a top two spot with its 7-1 card.

The Hawkeyes were locked in from the get-go, holding a 28-13 advantage after the first quarter and were largely unthreatened by the Heavy Bombers as they extended the lead to as high as 48, 94-46, late in the payoff period thanks to a Calvin Oftana fastbreak.

It was a dominating performance for Cignal as it took control in all categories, most notably the bench points with 65-24 in its favor.

Abdel Poutouochi was the lone Heavy Bomber to crack double-digits, finishing the game with 10 points and seven rebounds as JRU dropped to a 3-4 card.

The Scores:

CIGNAL 94 – Bolick 16, Adamos 11, Cahilig 11, Perkins 9, Oftana 8, Tongco 8, Bringas 7, Mocon 7, Potts 6, Batino 4, Villarias 4, Raymundo 2, Presbitero 1, Arboleda 0.

JRU 50 – Poutouochi 10, Grospe 7, Dela Virgen 6, Pontejos 4, Amboludto 3, Bautista 3, Bulawan 3, Estrella 3, Mate 3, Astilla 2, Bordon 2, Lasquety 2, Teodoro 2, Sawat 0.

Quarters: 28-13, 49-26, 70-37, 94-50.