PBA DL: Cignal takes Game 1

Game Monday
(The Arena, San Juan)
4 p.m. – Racal vs Cignal
(Cignal leads series 1-0)

Cignal-San Beda overcame a furious rally by Racal in the fourth quarter and held on for a 93-85 victory yesterday to move on the cusp of capturing the title in Game 1 of their best-of-three finals in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Hawkeyes needed some key baskets from former La Salle standout Jason Perkins and veteran guard Pamboy Raymundo during the final stretch after their 21-point third quarter lead was reduced to just five with more than two minutes left in the ballgame.

A three by Rey Nambatac put Racal behind 86-81 with 2:27 left in the fourth, but Perkins scored on the ensuing possession and Raymundo scored inside the shaded lane for a 90-81 advantage, 1:21 remaining.

Another Nambatac triple gave the Tile Masters some lifeline before Perkins responded with two free throws and Davon Potts converting a jumper for a 93-84 lead that iced the game.

“We’re happy that we led by a big margin, kung hindi tapos kami kanina,” said Cignal coach Boyet Fernandez. “I’m happy that we won, but credit to coach Jerry and Racal they came back.”

Perkins finished with 28 points and eight rebounds, Raymundo had 21 points, three rebounds and three assists while Robert Bolick added 19 points, five rebounds and six assists for the Hawkeyes, who can clinch the title on their maiden conference with a victory on Monday at The Arena in San Juan.

Nambatac scored 23 points.

Scores:
CIGNAL 93 – Perkins 28, Raymundo 21, Bolick 19, Adamos 7, Arboleda 7, Oftana 6, Potts 5, Batino 0, Bringas 0, Villarias 0, Tongco 0.

RACAL 85 – Nambatac 23, Corpuz 15, Onwubere 14, Gabayni 8, Salado 7, Torres 6, Mangahas 5, Dagangon 4, Capacio 2, Cabrera 1, Flores 0, Gumaru 0, Terso 0, Gabawan 0.

Quarters: 26-14; 55-36; 74-59; 93-85.