Cultivators boot out RnW quintet

MANILA, Philippines - Raffi Reyes hit a triple to spark a late charge by FCA and the Cultivators knocked out RnW Pacific Pipes, 65-61, yesterday in the first round of the playoffs to advance to the quarterfinals of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at The Arena in San Juan.

In a tightly fought fourth quarter marred by poor shooting and turnovers from both teams, Reyes came through with the big play in the last two minutes, knocking a three over Raymund Ilagan to shove FCA to a 62-60 lead.

RnW’s Jim Viray muffed two three-point attempts on the other end before Alex Mallari scored on a drive as FCA completed its comeback from 16 points down in the third quarter to pound out the victory.

“We expected a tough match and we knew they are well prepared. But we didn’t give up despite our struggle. We continued to play through and I thought our efforts paid off down the stretch,” said FCA coach Arsenio Dysangco. Mallari led FCA with 12 points while Reyes added 11 and Richard Cole nine points, respectively.

Arsenio said the Cultivators played a little bit tight and fell behind by 13 points.

FCA will face Group A topnotcher in the quarters and Arsenio admitted they are the underdog.

Vic Manuel shot 20 points but failed to get enough support with Viray finishing with 12.

RnW Pipes opened the third with a 15-6 run and built a 49-36 advantage on a basket by Manual with 4:10 left in the period.

But the FCA fought back behind Mallari, Reyes and Cole, outscoring RnW Pacific Pipes, 21-7, bridging the third and fourth quarter to pull with 57-58 on four straight points by Cole.

Pharex Bidang Generix routed Cobra Energy Drink, 96-66, to clinch the last spot in the Last 8 against PC Gilmore.

James Mangahs scored 17 points. Edwin Asoro and Raymon Aguilar each had 14 points for Pharex, which rode on a big third quarter run to blast the fancied Ironmen.