The Cignal-San Beda HD Hawkeyes have booked the first quarterfinals seat after routing the Victoria Sports-Manuel L.Quezon University Stallions, 83-68, Tuesday evening at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
Jason Perkins led the fight for the Hawkeyes, registering a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Fil-Swede forward Andres Cahilig nabbed a career-high 13 markers and three rebounds in the win.
Robert Bolick also chimed in 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Byron Villarias got 10.
“Right now, we’re happy about it. Our first goal was to make it to the quarterfinals. It’s one of our achievements, but still, the boys did a good job. Hopefully, we won’t stop here and we continue to improve,” said coach Boyet Fernandez.
With a 12-3 charge to end the game, the Hawkeyes were finally able to escape the clutches of Victoria, swinging a close 70-65 lead with 5:02 remaining to the 15-point spread.
With their sixth straight victory, Cignal rose up to first place with its 6-1 slate, while also kicking Victoria (1-6) out of the playoff race.
The HD Hawkeyes shot 42 percent from the field compared to a dismal 31 percent for the Stallions.
Aris Dionisio paced Victoria with 12 points and five rebounds, while Jayson Grimaldo had 11 markers and 10 boards.
Cignal will play JRU next this Thursday, March 2, at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City, while Victoria Sports’ next match will be versus Racal next Tuesday, March 7, at the JCSGO Gym. Both games are set at 5:00 PM.
The Scores:
Cignal-San Beda (83) – Perkins 16, Cahilig 13, Bolick 12, Villarias 10, Potts 8, Raymundo 5, Batino 4, Bringas 4, Mocon 4, Arboleda 3, Oftana 2, Tongco 2, Adamos 0, Presbitero 0.
Victoria Sports-MLQU (68) – Dionisio 12, Grimaldo 11, Koga 10, Lao 10, Mag-isa 9, Ragasa 5, Ayonayon 4, Herndon 4, Nicholls 3, Bitoon 0, Sorela 0.
Quarterscores: 18-21, 36-31, 61-54, 83-68.
