IT’S not at all surprising that Racal Coach Jerry Codiñera and his troops are drawing a lot of attention.
After all, the Tile Masters are making the loudest noise in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Aspirants’ Cup that is now on the final stretch of the eliminations.
One of six school-based teams in the field of 10, Racal immediately made an impact by opening its campaign in the league’s season opening conference with five consecutive victories.
An unexpected loss to Jose Rizal University snapped the streak but the Tile Masters quickly bounced back with back-to-back Ws, including an 82-78 decision against CaféFrance last Thursday to clinch one of two outright semi-final berths up for grabs.
“It’s a nice feeling. I thought the guys played their roles to the letter,” Codiñera told reporters after his team improved to a 7-1 (win-loss) record to tie Cignal at the top of the team standings.
Racal has one game left in the eliminations and Codiñera’s marching order to his chargers is to keep playing at high level.
“We’ll pour it all in the last game. I want the guys to embrace the attitude of playing their best every game. Besides, it helps if we enter the semifinals with some momentum,” Codiñera explained.
The Tile Masters close out their elimination assignment on Monday and, by mere coincidence they will be up against the Cignal Hawkeyes, who are also motivated to finish the eliminations on a winning note.
The battle of coleaders comes off at 5 o’clock after the 3 p.m. encounter between CaféFrance (6-2) and Team Batangas (3-5) at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
“Beating Cignal will raise the confidence level of the team going to the playoffs. It will also be good for our chemistry. It’s easier to develop chemistry while winning,” Codiñera said.
Cignal Coach Boyet Fernandez said he is looking forward to facing Racal, adding he hopes the Hawkeyes extend their winning streak. Cignal is riding on a seven-game win streak.