D-League: Cignal stays alive, forces Game 3

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Cignal-San Beda stayed alive in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup semifinals, surviving a tough Tanduay squad, 89-86, in Game 2 of their series Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Jason Perkins and Pamboy Raymundo conspired to save the Hawkeyes’ campaign, teaming up for eight of their side’s final 12 points to fend off a raging Rhum Masters crew.

“We’re still alive. At least, we got another day to live,” said coach Boyet Fernandez, as Cignal knotted the best-of-3 series at one game apiece and forced a winner-take-all Game 3.

“It sounds cliche, but the boys really stepped up today. Jason didn’t want to go home, Pamboy didn’t want to go home, everybody doesn’t want to go home and this win is for them.”

Perkins finished with 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists, while Raymundo got 11 markers, four boards, and four rebounds.

Robert Bolick also had 13 points, four rebounds, and three dimes, Ben Adamos registered a double-double of 13 markers and 13 boards, and Davon Potts added 12 in the winning cause.

The Hawkeyes squandered a 70–58 lead in the fourth quarter and saw Tanduay zoom ahead with a 20-7 blast to grab a 78-77 advantage with 2:51 to play. But Perkins rattled in back-to-back treys to regain the lead before Raymundo drained the dagger floater with 25.4 seconds left to push Cignal, 89-86.

Mark Cruz still tried to force overtime, but his shot only hit the front rim.

Game 3 is on Tuesday, still at the same venue.

Jaymo Eguilos topped Tanduay with 18 points and six rebounds, while Lester Alvarez got 15 markers on a 3-of-5 shooting from threes, on top of three assists.

The Scores:

CIGNAL 89 – Perkins 15, Adamos 13, Bolick 13, Potts 12, Raymundo 11, Bringas 8, Arboleda 5, Mocon 5, Arong 4, Villarias 3, Batino 0, Oftana 0.

TANDUAY 86 – Eguilos 18, Alvarez 15, Sanga 11, Quinto 9, Cruz 8, Gaco 8, Santos 6, Palma 5, Varilla 3, Vigil 3.

Quarters: 21-21, 45-38, 70-58, 89-86.