Cignal seizes top seed, downs Racal

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Javee Mocon led a fourth quarter charge and Cignal-San Beda pulled away late to beat Racal, 96-86, and grab the top seed in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Monday at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.

The hardworking forward finished with 18 points, eight coming in the payoff period, eight rebounds, and three assists as the Hawkeyes’ extended its winning streak to eight games to end the elimination round with an 8-1 card.

“We just wanted to bring the positive attitude going to the semifinals,” said Cignal head coach Boyet Fernandez.

Cignal turned a close 77-74 edge early in the fourth quarter to an 11-point cushion, 87-76, in the final 4:17 and went on cruise control with Mocon steering the wheel.

Jason Perkins led the Hawkeyes with 25 markers, six boards, and four assists, while Pamboy Raymundo had 10 points, three rebounds, and three assists.

“It’s really the character of my players,” said Fernandez. “We were up in the first quarter, lost the lead in second, but they stepped up their game in the third and credit to them for pulling away in the fourth. It’s for my players. It’s really their effort today which really won this game.”

Jackson Corpuz paced No. 2 Racal (7-2) with 20 points and six rebounds before fouling out late in the game, while Kent Salado had 18 markers and six boards.
The scores:
CIGNAL 96 – Perkins 25, Mocon 18, Raymundo 10, Bolick 9, Cahilig 8, Potts 6, Tongco 6, Villarias 4, Oftana 3, Arboleda 2, Arong 2, Batino 2, Adamos 1, Bringas 0.

RACAL 86 – Corpuz 20, Salado 18, Dagangon 9, Gabawan 8, Onwubere 7, Mangahas 6, Gabayni 4, Terso 4, Cabrera 3, Flores 3, Gumaru 2, Nambatac 2, Capacio 0, Torres 0.
Quarters: 31-22, 53-54, 75-72, 96-86.