The Racal Tile Masters inched closer on nabbing one of the top two spots in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup, fending off the Tanduay Rhum Masters, 90-81, Thursday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
“I think the most important game for us is today kasi had we lost, puwede kami bumagsak sa number four,” said coach Caloy Garcia.
“Just to make things sure, we want to win against AMA so we get one of the top two spots.”
The Tile Masters continue to hold the top spot at 9-2, and will have to beat the Titans on August 9 to nail one of the twice-to-beat incentives in the semifinals.
Jonathan Grey led Racal with 17 points and four rebounds, while Philip Paniamogan also chipped in 17 markers on a 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc.
Dexter Maiquez and Chris Javier combined for 24 points, while Jamil Ortuoste got 10 markers in the victory.
Racal saw their early 13-point lead, 27-14, diminish as Tanduay raged back and made it a difficult game in the second half.
Garcia called his team’s attention to what he felt had been an apparent lack of discipline, saying, “I’m happy we won today’s game. I just kept on telling the players that it should be a habit, that we can’t take anything for granted.”
“We’re lucky that in second half, we got a good lead again.”
Jaymo Eguilos anchored Tanduay (7-4) with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Jeff Javillonar had 14 markers and 12 boards.
The Scores:
Racal (90) – Grey 17, Paniamogan 17, Javier 12, Maiquez 12, Ortuoste 10, Celiz 5, Robles 5, Gabawan 4, Terso 4, Ambulodto 2, Neypes 2, Banal 0, Corpuz 0.
Tanduay (81) – Eguilos 16, Javillonar 14, Acuna 13, Lingganay 11, Alolino 7, Celda 7, Tagarda 6, Mendoza 5, Gotladera 2, Belencion 0, Javelona 0, Santos 0, Stevens 0.
Quarterscores: 27-14, 44-37, 67-64, 90-81.
