Racal survives

Racal showed the sense of urgency coach Jerry Codiñera wanted as the Tile Masters forged a do-or-die title showdown in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Finals.

Led by Rey Nambatac and Jackson Corpuz, Racal refused to sink and dealt Cignal-San Beda a 100-90 decision Monday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Nambatac poured in 24 points, four rebounds, three steals and a couple of assists, while Corpuz dominated down low with a double-double of 20 markers and 11 boards to power the Tile Masters in Game 2 of the best-of-three series.

Codiñera also credited the Tile Masters’ defensive effort on the Hawkeyes’ cogs led by Robert Bolick, who was named Most Valuable Player of the Conference before the game.

“We had a good start and identified their big three—Jason Perkins, Robert Bolick and Javee Mocon—whom we all tried to limit,” said Codiñera. “It’s a big thing for us that the three played below average today.”

Bolick still got away with 18 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Perkins also tried to lead Cignal’s comeback attempts. But Racal’s support crew delivered by dropping 50 bench points.

The Tile Masters established control early and raced to a 19-point edge, 57-38, in the second quarter behind Nambatac and Corpuz.

After the break, however, the duo of Perkins and Bolick waged a huge rally as the Hawkeyes moved within five, 67-62, before Corpuz fired 12 in the frame to put the Tile Masters up by 10 points anew.

“You have to be ready whenever they go on a surge,” said Codiñera. “We have to arrest that, and today, we did.”

Kent Salado added 15 points and Joseph Gabayni also had nine markers and 10 rebounds as the Tile Masters spoiled the Hawkeyes’ sweep bid.

Cignal and Racal will dispute the crown in Game 3 on Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.