Cignal tops Racal, claims D-League crown

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Javee Mocon came up big late as Cignal-San Beda bucked its poor start and captured the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup with an 81-78 conquest over Racal Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The incoming fourth-year San Beda forward took charge in the end game as he dropped 11 of the Hawkeyes’ last 13 points to lead with 25 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in the cardiac Game 3 affair.

“He picked up where he left off and he did a good job. He’s been very positive for us and today, he stepped up big for us,” said coach Boyet Fernandez, who won his seventh PBA D-League title in eight tries.

Jason Perkins kept Cignal afloat as he scattered 21 markers, five boards, and three blocks, while Conference MVP Robert Bolick had 14 points, on top of six assists and four rebounds.

“I still believe on our team work. If not for the boys, we’ll not win this one. We didn’t give up,” said Fernandez.

The Hawkeyes pulled themselves back from a 13-point hole, 42-29, and opened the second half on a 13-5 run to tie the game at 48 and set up the frantic finish.

Mocon would then lead his side in the final seven minutes, scoring five straight points to givve his side a 75-70 lead with 3:48 remaining.

The Tile Masters, though, would not go down that easily as Jackson Corpuz tried to will his squad back within one, 79-78, with 36.3 ticks left. However, Bolick calmly drained two freebies for Cignal in the last
4.4 seconds before Rey Nambatac muffed his potential game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer.

Corpuz led Racal with 24 points and nine rebounds, while Joseph Gabayni had 18 markers and nine rebounds in the clincher.

The Scores:

CIGNAL 81 – Mocon 25, Perkins 21, Bolick 14, Raymundo 13, Batino 4, Villarias 2, Bringas 0, Potts 0, Arboleda 0, Oftana 0.
RACAL 77 – Corpuz 24, Gabayni 18, Capacio 12, Nambatac 8, Torres 8, Salado 4, Onwubere 2, Mangahas 2, Gabawan 0, Cabrera 0, Flores 0, Terso 0.

Quarters: 15-23, 35-43, 59-60, 81-78.