‘Poor effort’ dooms Cignal in Game 2

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Hope is still not lost on Cignal-San Beda after bowing to Racal, 100-90, on Monday in Game 2 of the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.

But for coach Boyet Fernandez, if his wards come out with the same lackluster effort in the decider, the Hawkeyes may just kiss that championship goodbye.

“We’re just one step slow today. It’s really the team who wants it more will be the one to win this series,” he said.

Outhustled by the desperate Tile Masters crew, a listless Cignal failed to close the deal out as the series shifts to a winner-take-all Game 3 at Ynares Sports Arena.

Fernandez acknowledges his side’s failures while also praising Racal for the way it played in Game 2. He, though, hopes that his side will come out with the same sense of urgency in the title clincher on Thursday.

“We lost on our poor effort. They got so many offensive rebounds and they’re diving for the ball. They really wanted to win this game, credit to Racal,” he said. “We just have to emphasize it to my players and hopefully, we’ll be ready for our next game.”

The six-time PBA D-League champion, though, would rather stay optimistic with all cards on deck come the do-or-die Game 3.

“We lost this one but the only thing Racal did was tie us. They have to beat us one more time so we’ll not allow it that way,” he said. “We’re staying positive. It’s just a matter of us seeing what really happened today and regroup again. I’m sure we’ll be ready.”