Rod Ebondo. PBA IMAGES
CafeFrance manhandled Mindanao en route to an 89-65 beatdown on Monday to jumpstart its campaign in the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena.
Rod Ebondo came alive in the second quarter, stringing nine straight points to put the Bakers up, 32-19. Owning the paint, 46-24, they pounced on the hapless Aguilas for good, Aguilas.
Ebondo racked 12 of his 16 points on that second quarter attack and also finished with 17 rebounds and two rejections.
Joseph Manlangit added 13 markers and six boards, while Mar Villahermosa got 11 points in the win.
Despite the rout, coach Egay Macaraya was still not satisfied with the way the Bakers performed in their season opener.
“Isipin mo sa first quarter pa lang, we had 13 turnovers na,” he said. “Sa tingin ko, it’s more on gustong maging agresibo ng lahat pero naging out of control. Hopefully, maka-adjust kami since first game pa lang naman.”
Dexter Garcia was the lone bright spot for Mindanao with 21 points and six rebounds.
The Scores:
CAFEFRANCE 89 – Ebondo 16, Manlangit 13, Villahermosa 11, Zamar 10, Jeruta 9, Celso 7, Arim 5, Casino 5, Cruz 5, De Leon 4, Abundo 2, Opiso 2, Guinitaran 0.
MINDANAO 65 – Garcia 21, Sarangay 11, Jumao-as 9, Ignacio 6, Acibar 4, De Guzman 3, Rivera 3, Rublico 3, Nalos 2, Villanueva 2, Navarro 1, Julkipli 0, Ongteco 0, Wetherell 0.
Quarters: 19-8, 43-31, 57-45, 89-65.