MANILA, Philippines — The hectic start will finally pay off for the Cignal HD Hawkeyes after playing seven games in the first three weeks of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup.
Cignal will have a 19-day break before facing the streaking CEU Scorpions on July 25 for its last elimination game.
Head coach Boyet Fernandez is aware of his team's tendency to succumb to court rust, and measures will be done to keep the squad sharp.
"I'll give my boys longer rest," Cignal coach Boyet Fernandez said shortly after the Hawkeyes' 70-66 win over Batangas Thursday.
"We'll get some practice games and hopefully we'll be sharp on the 25th."
Cignal currently carries a 7-2 record, but their next game will be a little tougher with Fernandez not manning the helm for the Hawkeyes.
The CEU game will coincide with the Fernandez-coached San Beda's game against Letran in the NCAA.
Assistant coach Jude Roque will take the head coaching duties in his absence.
"Ever since we started Cignal last conference, we already trained coach Jude to coach the team," Fernandez told. "Everybody in the team knows that and I know that they will run behind him." - Randell Angelo B. Ritumalta