Games Thursday
(Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig)
3 p.m. – Wangs vs Blustar
5 p.m. – JRU vs Cignal
Cignal-San Beda booked the first quarterfinals seat in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, routing Victoria Sports-MLQU, 83-68, Tuesday at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
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.
Using a 12-3 charge to end the game, the Hawkeyes was finally able to escape the clutches of Victoria, swinging a close 70-65 lead with 5:02 remaining to the 15-point spread.
With its sixth straight victory, Cignal rose to first place with its 6-1 slate, while also kicking Victoria (1-6) out of the playoff race.
In the first game, Batangas scored back-to-back wins with a 92-68 rout of Blustar Detergent to eliminate the Dragons from playoff contention.
Dan Sara steered the Batanguenos’ second period breakaway, firing nine in the team’s 27-point explosion and grab a 46-30 halftime advantage. They would extend the lead to as much as 24, 82-58, with six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
“Syempre kung kaya manalo, ipapanalo. But we’re not in a hurry. Lahat ng nangyayari sa amin, bonus na lang,” said coach Eric Gonzales, as his focus remains wrested on improving the squad rather than the team’s progress this conference.”
Scores:
First Game
BATANGAS 92 – Sedurifa 21, Sara 14, Ablaza 13, Dela Pena 9, Isit 9, Mangabang 8, Andrada 4, De Joya 4, Laude 4, Ada 2, Fortu 2, Inciong 2, Lascano 0.
BLUSTAR 68 – Perez 19, Melano 17, Liaw 12, Mak 6, Kwaan 6, Ong 5, Choong 2, Ang 1, Gan 0, Heng 0, Kamalrulzaman 0, Liew 0, Mokles 0, Chin 0.
Quarters: 19-13; 46-30; 72-56; 92-68.
Second Game
CIGNAL 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 68 – Dionisio 12, Grimaldo 11, Koga 10, Lao 10, Mag-isa 9, Ragasa 5, Ayonayon 4, Herndon 4, Nicholls 3, Bitoon 0, Sorela 0.
Quarters: 18-21; 36-31; 61-54; 83-68.