PBA IMAGES
Cignal HD booked the last outright semifinals ticket after turning back a scrappy Centro Escolar University side, 96-89, in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Tuesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Jason Perkins notched a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds while John Villarias gave Cignal a big lift off the bench with a team-high 19 points built on five 3-pointers.
“I guess we were fortunate because we had a very long preparation. We had a lot of time scouting them, but it was still a struggle against them. But the boys delivered and we got the win,” said deputy Jude Roque, who coached in Boyet Fernandez’ stead.
The Hawkeyes shot the lights out from downtown, going 15-of-33 from that area.
Guard Aaron Jeruta and big man Rod Ebondo led the Scorpions, who shot 51% from the field.
Top seed Flying V, which rose to 9-0 with a blowout win over Zark’s Burgers earlier, is the first team to earn an automatic semis slot.
Playmaker Pamboy Raymundo also shone with 11 points and nine assists for Cignal.