Cafe France’s Jeepy Faundo and Batangas’ Cedrick Ablaza jockey for position in the match won by the Batangueños Monday. —SHERWIN VARDELEON
Cignal-San Beda will head into the semifinals as the top seed boasting an eight-game winning streak in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.
Led by Jason Perkins and Javee Mocon, the Hawkeyes pulled away late to hack out a 96-86 victory over Racal and grab the No. 1 spot on Monday at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
“We just wanted to bring the positive attitude going to the semifinals,” said coach Boyet Fernandez after Cignal closed out its elimination run with an 8-1 card.
Racal slipped to second with a 7-2 record.
With both teams already assured of outright semifinal berths, it was Cignal which rose to the occasion, turning a close 77-74 edge early in the fourth quarter to an 11-point cushion, 87-76, in the final 4:17 behind Mocon.
Perkins led the Hawkeyes with 25 points.
Earlier, Batangas wrapped up its campaign with a 91-69 upset of third seed Cafe France.
Dan Sara unloaded all of his 16 points in the first half to fuel the Batangueños’ strong start before Joseph Sedurifa helped close out the lopsided match.
Batangas won three of its last four outings to finish with a 4-5 card in its inaugural stint.
Cafe France (5-4) will head into the quarterfinals with a twice-to-beat edge. Tanduay and Jose Rizal U will dispute the other bonus at 5 p.m. Tuesday also at JCSGO Gym.