The Racal Tile Masters dealt the AMA Online Education Titans its first loss in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, pulling off a 78-73 win, Tuesday evening at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Kent Salado anchored the Tile Masters with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Sidney Onwubere posted a double-double with his 14 markers and 11 boards.
Rey Nambatac also had 10 points in the victory, which improved Racal’s record to 2-0.
Racal clawed back from a seven-point hole, 63-56 with six minutes to play in the fourth and eventually held the lead, 70-68 with three minutes left to play thanks to an Onwubere three.
Defense did it from there, as the Tile Masters clamped down on defense and limited the Titans to just three points as Salado and Allan Mangahas sealed the deal late.
Coach Jerry Codinera shared Racal underestimated AMA’s height, discrediting the Titans’ firepower despite the presence of Jeron Teng and Juami Tiongson.
“Di kami nakapag-adjust with the way we defend but buti na lang with their effort, naniwala sila na kaya naming manalo,” he said.
Racal was able to limit AMA to a poor shooting night as the Titans went just 29-of-76 from the field.
Teng posted his second straight double-double with 23 points on a 10-of-25 clip, to go with 10 rebounds and three assists, while Tiongson finished with 21 markers on 7-of-19 shooting.
Racal, on the other hand, will play Team Batangas next on February 5, Monday, 3:00 PM at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City. AMA Online Education will look to bounce against Tanduay Light on Thursday, February 2, 5:00 PM still at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The Scores:
Racal 78 – Salado 14, Onwubere 14, Nambatac 10, Cabrera 8, Corpuz 8, Flores 7, Mangahas 6, Gabawan 3, Gumaru 2, Terso 2, Torres 2, Apreku 0, Gabayni 0, Singontiko 0.
AMA Online Education 73 – Teng 23, Tiongson 21, Alabanza 9, Bragais 7, Arambulo 6, Barua 3, Olayon 2, Taganas 2, Calma 0, Macaranas 0, Riley 0.
Quarterscores: 30-18, 40-41, 52-55, 78-73.
