Aziz Mbomiko of Breadstory (light) vs Ford Ruaya of Racal (dark). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines – Bread Story-Lyceum survived Racal Motors, 93-90, to claim the last quarterfinals slot in the 2015 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup on Monday at the Marikina Sports Complex.
Cameroonian Aziz Mbomiko nailed the go-ahead jumper, 92-90, with 20 seconds left after Wilson Baltazar sank the game-tying 3-pointer, 90-all, with 43 ticks remaining for the Pirates, who also booted the Tanduay Light Rhum Masters out of contention in the process.
“This kind of game will help the players develop their character and confidence,” said Bread Story head coach Bonnie Tan. “I thought they responded well when things were not going our way.”
“Being a newcomer in the league, we’re happy with what we’ve accomplished,” Tan added. “But we’re not done yet.”
The Pirates ended up with a same record as the Rhum Masters at 5-6 but they pulled ahead due to the winner-over-the-other rule having beaten in their lone meeting in the elimination round.
The quarterfinals starts on Thursday with sixth seed Bread Story taking on No. 3 Cafe France, which owns a twice-to-beat edge while No. 4 Jumbo Plastic tangles with Cebuana Lhuillier in the other game at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Giovanni Jalalon had 20 points, five assists and three steals while Angelo Gabayni posted a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds for the Pirates.
Keith Agovida put Racal ahead by three on a jumper, 90-87, with 54 seconds remaining before Baltazar and Mbomiko came through for Bread Story down the stretch.