RACAL clinched the top spot in the D-League with a 105-76 rout of AMA Online Education on Tuesday in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
The Tile Masters rolled to their sixth straight victory for a 10-2 win-loss record and will enjoy a twice-to-beat edge in the semifinals against the Tanduay Rhum Masters (8-4) on Thursday.
Second-seed Phoenix (9-3) and Cafe France (9-3) duke it out in the other semifinal pairing on the same day at the Strike Gym in Bacoor, Cavite.
"Medyo maganda takbo namin kanina and I just hope we can bring it to Thursday's game," said Racal head coach Caloy Garcia.
After a sluggish start, Racal shifted into high gear in the second quarter and took a comfortable 53-39 cushion.
Off the break, the Tile Masters kept their feet on the gas. Two three-pointers each from Ortuoste and Joseph Terso allowed Racal to erect a 23-point lead, 83-60.
AMA was led by Rashawn McCarthy's 25 points. James Martinez and Ryan Arambulo scored 15 and 12, respectively.
The scores:
Racal 105 - Grey 17, Paniamogan 16, Corpuz 15, Javier 11, Ortuoste 11, Terso 8, Cabrera 6, Maiquez 6, Robles 6, Ambulodto 4, Gabawan 2, Neypes 2, Celiz 1, Banal 0.
AMA 76 - McCarthy 26, Martinez 15, Arambulo 12, Asuncion 7, Ortega 4, Malones 3, Calma 2, Jordan 2, Montemayor 2, Taganas 2, Macaranas 1, Belleza 0, Carpio 0, Guttierez 0.
Quarterscores: 20-16; 53-39; 83-60; 105-76.
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