Ahanmisi goes off as Cafe France subdues MJM in PBA D-League
Aron Jeruta of Cafe France (light) vs Bryan Cruz of MJM (dark). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines–When he’s going rogue, his team better follow.
Riding their red-hot winger, the Cafe France Bakers enjoyed their top gun Maverick Ahanmisi’s offense as they put down the MJM Builders, 82-73, during their dogfight in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig Thursday afternoon.
Ahanmisi had the airspace all to himself as he poured in 31 points and gobbled up 10 rebounds, leading the Bakers to an impressive 5-1 win-loss card.
Even as he led his team almost singlehandedly, Ahanmisi said it was all because of his teammates.
“It was all because of my teammates, it all goes to them,” said Ahanmisi who also went 4 of 9 from deep.
Playing pretty much all afternoon, Ahanmisi would put the team on his wings in the start of the fourth as he knocked down back-to-back shots, one of which was a three-pointer from the top of the key, to give Cafe France a 63-59 lead.
He would again have it his way during a 7-1 run, which saw him hin another three from the wings to make it 70-64 for Cafe France.
“We are comfortable and we can handle pressure really well even in close games” Ahanmisi said.
When MJM looked to get some momentum in the final minutes, Ahanmisi shot them down with 58.3 remaining, hitting a three-pointer from the top of the key against the defense of Glenn Khobuntin.
Bong Galanza was the other double-digit scorer for Cafe France with 10.
Khobuntin led MJM with 15 points with Mike Tolomia and Jelo Alolino adding 11 apiece.
Box scores:
CAFE FRANCE 82-Ahanmisi 31, Galanza 10, Noble 8, Ebondo 8, Cortez 7, Huertas 6, Abundo 4, Sedurifa 4, Andrada 2, Batino 2, Jeruta 0, De Leon 0.
MJM 73-Khobuntin 15, Alolino 11, Tolomia 11, Cruz 10, Belo 8, Mendoza 6, Jose 4, Neypes 4, Javelona 4, Pogoy 4, Alberto 4.
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