PBA D-League: Clutch effort lifts Bakers past Razorbacks

PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — A triple from Mac Montilla with 18 ticks left in over lifted Cafe France over Hog’s Breath Cafe, 84-81, Thursday in the 2014 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Trinity University  Gym.

Montilla’s clutch triple capped a 6-0 run in extra time that gave the Bakers their second victory in as many matches and an early lead along with NLEX in the standings.

“A win is still a win even if we played ugly,” said Café France coach Egay Macaraya. “I’m pleased with our effort. We played bad, but the heart is there. We didn’t give up.”

The Razorbacks, who barged into the semifinals last conference, appeared to have the game in control when Gabawan scored on a layup for an 81-77 lead in OT.

But the Bakers didn’t wilt and turned to their defense as they held Hog’s Breath Cafe scoreless in the last 1:46 of the extra period.

A follow up from Rodriguez Ebondo, who led all scorers with 22 points, with 43 seconds left in overtime knotted the game anew at 81-all.

In the ensuing play, Kevin Racal’s bad pass paved way for the winning shot of Montilla, who finished with 18 points for Cafe France.

Hog’s Breath Cafe skid to 0-2 to settle at the bottom of the standings early in the conference.