Racal streaked to its fourth straight win at the expense of Wang’s Basketball, 89-84, on Thursday in the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Kent Salado took charge late in the game to help the Tile Masters fend off repeated rallies by the Couriers.
The dynamic guard finished with 14 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, as Racal outscored Wang’s in the stretch to remain unscathed and stay atop the leaderboard. He also had two rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes of action.
“I warned them not to take Wang’s for granted. See how difficult it was to beat them? But I thought my players did well in the closing minutes,” Racal Coach Jerry Codiñera said.
Jackson Corpuz had a double-double with a game-high 18 points and 14 boards, as Racal outrebounded Wang’s, 51-40. Sidney Onwubere finished with 10 points and six rebounds.
Wang’s (1-3) kept the game close throughout but repeatedly failed in its bid to change the complexion of the game.
After Marlon Gomez pulled Wang’s within 76-77, Salado took charge and scored eight of his team’s last 14 points as Racal diffused the threat.
Wang’s fell to its third straight defeat for a 1-3 card.
Rey Publico showed the way for the Couriers with 16 points, while Marlon Gomez added 14 and seven boards.
CaféFrance demolished Jose Rizal University, 75-57, to earn a share of second place.
Behind the heads up play of their veterans, the Bakers went on a 17-2, run to open the third and extend a 38-36 halftime edge to a commanding 55-38 lead midway the quarter. Their biggest lead was at 73-52 courtesy of Aaron Jeruta’s three free throws with 1:53 to play.
Rod Ebondo just missed out on a double-double with 21 points and nine rebounds while Paul Desiderio finished with 13 for Cafe France which improved to 3-1 and joined idle Tanduay at second spot.