I still get chills thinking about that 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup championship game. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed countless battles, but this particular showdown between the Cignal-San Beda Hawkeyes and the Racal Motors Alibaba remains etched in my memory for its sheer intensity and dramatic twists. The final score of 85-74 doesn't fully capture how fiercely contested this championship was from tip-off to final buzzer.

What struck me most during that game was how Cignal's defensive strategy completely dismantled Racal's offensive rhythm. Looking back at the stats, I'm still amazed by how effectively they contained Racal's shooters. The numbers tell a brutal story - Gilas was held to a miserable 31 percent shooting from the field, including an ice-cold 8-of-33 from beyond the arc. That's just 24.2% from three-point territory, folks. When your star shooters are having that kind of night, you know you're in trouble. I remember watching Racal's guards getting increasingly frustrated as shot after shot clanged off the rim, while Cignal's defenders kept closing out with perfect timing and positioning.

The rebounding disparity was even more telling if you ask me. Being clobbered off the boards 57-36 isn't just a statistical footnote - it's a testament to Cignal's sheer dominance in the paint. That's a 21-rebound advantage for those counting, and in a championship game, that kind of gap is absolutely massive. I recall Jason Perkins and Papi Sarr just owning the glass, snatching rebounds that seemed destined for Racal players. There were moments when Racal would finally get a defensive stop, only to watch Cignal grab the offensive board and reset the possession. It was demoralizing to watch, and I can only imagine how frustrating it must have been for Racal's coaching staff.

What many casual observers might not appreciate is how Cignal's bench depth made the difference in the fourth quarter. While Racal's starters were visibly gassed, Cignal kept rotating fresh legs, maintaining their defensive intensity when it mattered most. Robert Bolick's performance down the stretch was particularly memorable - his clutch shooting and playmaking essentially sealed the game. I've always believed that championship teams win in the final six minutes, and Cignal demonstrated exactly why that night. Their conditioning and mental toughness were simply on another level.

The championship celebration felt especially meaningful because it capped off Cignal-San Beda's perfect run through the conference. Going unbeaten in any professional league is remarkable, but doing it in the PBA D-League, where teams are constantly juggling lineups and developing talent, is extraordinary. This victory wasn't just about one game - it was the culmination of an entire season's worth of preparation, discipline, and growth. Even now, years later, I consider this team one of the most well-coached squads I've seen in the D-League era. Their systematic dismantling of a talented Racal team serves as a masterclass in playoff basketball - control the boards, defend with purpose, and execute when it counts. That's how championships are won.