Cignal twits Victoria, enters QF

MANILA, Philippines - Streaking Cignal-San Beda poured it all out in the last quarter to beat Victoria Sports, 83-68, and book the first quarterfinals berth in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao last night.

Jayson Perkins came away with 16 points and collared 11 rebounds for a double-double output, Andres Cahilig logged 13 markers, Robert Bolick finished with 12 points while Byron Villarias made 10 markers for Cignal which moved on top of the 10-team field with a 6-1 card.

Aris Dionisio shot 12 points while three others scored in double figures but Victoria Sports still fell short and bowed out of contention with only a win to show in seven games.

“We’re happy about it. After our first loss, we won against Cafe France then we were able to regain our confidence and make it to the quarterfinals,” said seven-time PBA D-League champion coach Boyet Fernandez.

The Hawkeyes opened the final quarter with a 9-3 run and pulled away at 70-57 then quashed repeated rallies by Victoria Sports.

Earlier, Batangas dominated Blustar Detergent from the second quarter on and went on to score a 92-68 rout.

Dan Sara fired nine of the team’s 27-point output in the second quarter as the Batangueños broke away from a tight game to post a 46-30 lead at the turn.

They held sway in the second half to complete the lopsided win, their second straight and third overall against four losses for solo seventh.

Batangas also knocked off Blustar from the race with a sixth straight loss.

Joseph Sedurifa dished out a double-double game of 21 points and 12 rebounds while Sara had 14 markers, nine assists, and four boards for Batangas.

Cedrick Ablaza also registered a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds with four steals to boot for the Batangueños.

“If we can win in our next games, then that’s what we will do but we are not in a hurry. We just have to go back to the basics of basketball and be disciplined on our defense,” said head coach Eric Gonzales

Tristan Perez led Blustar with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Jason Melano got 17 markers, eight boards, three assists, and two blocks for the hapless Dragons.