Games Today
(Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City)
3 p.m. – Tanduay vs Cignal
5 p.m. – CaféFrance vs Racal
Racal shoots for its first-ever finals appearance while Tanduay looks to complete an upset of top seed Cignal-San Beda today in Game 2 of their respective best-of-three semifinal series in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Tile Masters, coming off a thrilling 88-86 victory two days ago in Marikina City, will attempt to finish off the CaféFrance Bakers in their 5 p.m. contest and advance to the finals for the first time since joining the PBA’s developmental league in 2014.
Their bid comes after the Rhum Masters seek another win over the Hawkeyes in the 3 p.m. opener and advance to the finals for the second straight conference. Tanduay took Game 1 in a more convincing fashion, 66-55, also last Tuesday.
All eyes will be on Sidney Onwubere as he tries to lead Racal to a historic berth. He put the team closer to that ultimate goal after his three-pointer at the buzzer stunned CaféFrance in Game 1.
While momentum is on his team, Racal coach Jerry Codiñera is not taking any chances.
“The name of the game is we have to be patient. Anything can happen, anything is possible. We expected a down the wire affair and tama nga dahil ganoon ang nangyari. We expect nothing less from that sa Game 2,” said Codiñera.
CaféFrance nearly pull off the win when Rod Ebondo’s three came before Onwubere’s winning shot. Ebondo had 30 points but Bakers coach Egay Macaraya called out his locals to provide more support.
“I guess this loss will make us a better team. With a young team like this, I know we can develop more and we could improve more knowing all of these circumstances na nangyari,” Macaraya said. “We cannot rely on just Ebondo because Ebondo is not Superman. Ebondo will always be a problem inside for the opponents, but wala na akong pamalit sa kanya.
He needs the help.”
Meanwhile, Tanduay is going to lean anew on Mark Cruz and Jerwin Gaco to finish off Cignal, which lost for the first time after winning eight straight games. (JT)