The Racal Tile Masters snared the top spot in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup, blasting the AMA Online Education Titans, 105-76, Tuesday, at JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
With this sixth straight victory, the Tile Masters will go to the semifinals on top, as they will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage against Tanduay.
“The only incentive we’re trying to get is the twice-to-beat. All of the teams which got to the Final Four are strong so the only advantage you can get is the twice-to-beat,” said coach Caloy Garcia. “We’re just lucky that we got a good stretch in the end.”
Jonathan Grey captained Racal with 17 points, six assists, and five rebounds for the Tile Masters, who finished the eliminations with a 10-2 record.
Philip Paniamogan also drilled three triples en route to his 16 markers and four assists, while Jackson Corpuz tallied a double-double of 15 points and 10 boards.
Racal only needed the second quarter to kickstart the blowout, jumping to a 26-16 lead, which would soon rise to as high as 31, 105-74. Rashawn McCarthy topped AMA (4-8) with 26 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while James Martinez had 15 points.
The Tile Masters will hold a twice-to-beat advantage in their semifinal series against Tanduay. On the other hand, the Phoenix Accelerators, who hold the other twice-to-beat incentive, will face the Café France Bakers. Both semifinals match-ups will begin on Thursday, August 11, at the Strike Gym in Bacoor, Cavite.
The Scores:
Racal (105) – Grey 17, Paniamogan 16, Corpuz 15, Javier 11, Ortuoste 11, Terso 11, Cabrera 6, Maiquez 6, Robles 6, Ambulodto 4, Gabawan 2, Neypes 2, Celiz 1.
AMA (76) – McCarthy 26, Martinez 15, Arambulo 12, Asuncion 7, Ortega 4, Malones 3, Calma 2, Jordan 2, Jo. Montemayor 2, Taganas 2, Macaranas 1, Belleza 0, Carpio 0.
Quarterscores: 20-16, 53-39, 83-60, 105-76.
