PASIG CITY – Racal Tiles reasserted its mastery over the Topstar ZC Mindanao Aguilas, 124-65, as the PBA D-League Foundation Cup returned after a 12-day break at the Ynares Sports Arena Tuesday (July 12). The result was far more devastating compared to their first meeting which the Tile Masters took handily, 102-83, last June 14.
This time, the Tile Masters sought to settle the outcome as early as possible. The starting backcourt of Jonathan Grey and Joseph Terso and swingman Kyle Neypes went to work and pushed Racal to taking the first period and never looked back, 31-14.
The Aguilas entered the game without leading scorer JR Cawaling and Robin Rono, the same duo that knocked in 22 markers each in their last outing prior to the break, an 81-84 heartbreaker against Tanduay Rhum, last June 30. Still, Gino Jumao-as and Dexter Garcia engaged the Racal juggernaut in a third period fire fight that hardly made a dent into the Tile Masters’ ever growing advantage.
Grey led all scorers with 19 points. Raphael Banal and former Aguila Robby Celiz came off the bench to chip in 17 points each as all of the 14 players fielded by Coach Carlos Garcia submitted four points or more for their sixth win in eight games and solo Third Place in the seven-team standings.
Jumao-as paced the Aguilas with 16 points, the only player in twin figure. Choi Ignacio was next with nine points as the Aguilas remained winless in seven starts.
How They Scored:
RACAL TILES (124) – Grey 19, Banal 17, Celiz 17, Neypes 9, Terso 9, Paniamogan 8, Javier 8, Corpuz 6, Gabawan 6, Ortuoste 6, Ambulodto 6, Robles 5, Lozada 4, Maiquez 4.
TOPSTAR ZC MINDANAO (65) – Jumao-as 16, Ignacio 9, Tano 8, Garcia 8, Ferrer 6, Dadjilul 6, Onde 4, Argamino 4, Julkipli 2, Rivera 2, Ongteco 0.
Period Scores: 31-14, 56-25, 88-53, 124-65.
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