Hawkeyes, Tile Masters duel for top seeding

MANILA, Philippines -  League leaders Cignal-San Beda and Racal clash today in what could be a preview of the championship in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the JCSGO gym in Cubao.

Toting identical 7-1 cards, the Hawkeyes and the Tile Masters dispute the top seeding in the playoffs in the 5 p.m. encounter with the winner gaining a psychological advantage when they do meet in the championship.

After dropping its first match, Cignal racked up seven straight wins, including a lopsided 94-50 rout of Jose Rizal U last March 2.

“We’re not resting one bit because we really have to prepare for this Racal team,” said Cignal coach Boyet Fernandez, who will again pin his hopes on Jason Perkins and Robert Bolick.

“We really want to carry the streak over to the playoffs,” he added.

Racal, meanwhile, has shaken off its shock 75-77 setback to JRU but had to scramble past Victoria Sports-MLQU, 75-70, and Cafe France, 82-78, last week to tie Cignal on top of the heap.

Coach Jerry Codiñera said he’s elated with the poise his Tile Masters have shown in their last two games and is hoping to see the same grit against the Hawkeyes.

“Beating Cignal will give us another boost of confidence going to the playoffs. It’s going to be huge for our chemistry and it’s easier to develop chemistry while winning,” he said.