Racal-Cignal faceoff down to one last try

MANILA, Philippines -  It will be a question of desire as Cignal-San Beda and Racal face off one last time for the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup crown at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig today.

“Do-or-die affairs are all about the players. We just have to prepare them and let them play. It’s no longer the X and Os but who really wants the championship will win,” said Cignal coach Boyet Fernandez.

That makes the 4 p.m. clash doubly interesting with Racal hoping to ride the momentum of its 100-90 victory in Game Two Monday to force the sudden death.

While agreeing with his counterpart’s view in rubber matches, Racal mentor Jerry Codiñera has reminded his wards to stay the course and continue doing what they have done all conference long.

“We’d like to keep thing simple. We’re happy to have evened the series but we’ll continue to adjust and give our best,” said Codiñera.

He also emphasized the importance of teamwork for Racal to foil the fancied Cignal side’s expected surge in their 4 p.m. showdown.

“It takes collective effort to make a win into a reality. They have to help each other because Cignal will come back anytime in the game. When they surge, it’s like a typhoon. You have to be ready when it hits you and you have to be able to arrest that,” said Codiñera.

Rey Nambatac, who fired 24 points the last time out, hopes for another explosive outing for Racal, which will also pin its title bid on Jackson Corpuz and Kent Salado.

“It will be hard for us if we don’t start well. One of the keys is for us to start strong,” said Nambatac.

Fernandez, on the other hand, remains confident of their chances but stressed the need for the Hawkeyes to stay focused on the task at hand. 

“I told them we don’t have to be complacent because they’ve given Racal the confidence. In Game One, they were down by 21 but they came back and nearly beat us,” said Fernandez, whose wards took the opener, 93-85.

Conference MVP Robert Bolick, veteran Pamboy Raymundo and Jason Perkins are expected to carry the Hawkeyes and hand Fernandez a possible seventh title in the league.

“We lost in Game Two but the only thing Racal did was to tie us. They still have to beat us another one so we will not allow it that way,” said Fernandez.

Bolick, who churned out 18 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a losing effort in Game Two, vowed to bounce back strong and complete a dream campaign.

“We will bounce back. We’ll come back stronger,” said Bolick.