Games Today
(Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig)
4 p.m. – Racal vs Cignal-San Beda
It’s down to the final game, a winner-take-all match.
No doubt, it’s bound to be a fitting ending to an exciting title series as Cignal-San Beda and Racal dispute the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup championship today at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
After the two teams split the first two games of the three-game showdown, expect an action-packed encounter as the Hawkeyes and the Tile Masters clash at 4 p.m.
Cignal coach Boyet Fernandez, a six-time PBA D-League champion mentor, understands that this game will boil down to the desire of the players to win.
“In a do-or-die affair, it’s all about the players,” said Fernandez.
“We (as coaches) just have to prepare our players and let them play. It’s no longer about the x and os. Who really wants the championship will win,” added Fernandez, who is aiming to guide Cignal to the title on its maiden campaign in the D-League.
Tile Masters coach Jerry Codiñera shares the same sentiment although he kept on reminding his players to continue pushing and improving each game, something they’ve been doing all conference long.
“It’s the same, we’d like to keep things simple. We’re happy na naka-equalize kami, but we’ll continue to adjust and give our best,” Codiñera said.
Cignal downed Racal in Game One, 93-85, but the Tile Masters bounced back with 100-90 win.
Cignal is expected to lean anew on tournament MVP Robert Bolick, as well as Jason Perkins, and Pamboy Raymundo, while Racal will rely on Rey Nambatac, Jackson Corpuz and Kent Salado.
Nambatac said it’s important for them not only to start strong but to keep the pressure on Cignal, just like they did in Game 2.
“Key para sa amin yung good start,” said Nambatac. “Pero hindi lang naman doon lang. Kailangan namin mag-communicate para makuha yung championship.”
As for Bolick, he said its all about regaining their composure.
“Pinagtatawanan nila kami kaya babawi kami sa Game 3. We’ll come back stronger,” he said.