CEBUANA’S Paul Zamar (left) tests the defense of Stephen Siruma of Boracay Rhum. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Hog’s Breath Cafe sustained its surprise run by routing Zambales M-Builders, 83-54, to grab the solo lead with a 6-0 record in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup yesterday at Blue Eagle Gym.
“Our up-tempo game plays a big part in our campaign,” said Hog’s Breath coach Caloy Garcia. “Our goal every game is to limit our opponent to below 40 percent field-goal shooting, and we can only do that with a fast-paced game.”
Cafe France picked up its fourth win in seven games with a 74-69 triumph over winless National University-Banco de Oro while James Martinez knocked in the clutch baskets as Cebuana Lhuillier (2-4) snapped out of a losing spell with a 68-66 decision of Boracay Rum (2-5).
Martinez, who buried all of his 15 points from three-point range, nailed the go-ahead triple, 66-65, with 1:25 left.
The Razorbacks, the only squad playing without a certified star, pulled away early behind a relentless running game to build a 34-19 halftime advantage over the Builders.
Josan Nimes and Mac Montilla fueled a late charge as the Bakers forged ahead at 63-56 from a 49-49 deadlock against the Bulldogs, who played minus injured star Ray Parks.
The scores:
First Game
CAFE FRANCE 74—Nimes 19, Ebondo 17, Montilla10, Jamon 9, Gallardo 8, Abundo 6, Batino 3, Sarangay 2, Parala 0, De Leon 0.
NU-BDO 69—Alolino 13, Roño 11, Khobuntin10, Rosario 9, Villamor 8, Neypes 7, Perez 4, Labing-isa 4, Javillonar 3, De Guzman 0.
Quarters: 14-20, 33-36, 49-49, 74-69
Second Game
CEBUANA LHUILLIER 68—Martinez 15, Sumang 12, Paredes 10, Zamar 9, Aguilar 8, Banal 8, Padilla 3, Javier 2, Reynes 1.
BORACAY RUM 66—Taha 13, Belo 12, Cabrera 11, Siruma 8, Sabellina 7, Banchero 6, Viernes 5, Arellano 4, Eguilos 0, Bautista 0.
Quarters: 22-10, 39-25, 52-50, 68-66
Third Game
HOG’S BREATH CAFE 83—Sanga 14, Macasaet 10, Racal 9, Paniamogan 8, Allera 7, Robles 7, Terso 7, Rios 6, Austria 5, Gabawan 2, Ruaya 2, Pasculado 2, Belorio 2, Bartolo 2.
ZAMBALES M-BUILDERS 54—Gomez 10, A. Semerad 8, Tolomia 6, Ignacio 6, Cruz 5, Doligon 5, Perales 2, Pinas 2, Pogoy 2, D. Semerad 1.
Quarters: 15-10, 34-19, 55-30, 83-54