Cafe France underlined its title credentials with a 94-73 whipping of University of the Philippines-QRS-Jam Liner Thursday to gain a share of the lead, even as Tanduay Rhum scored a breakthrough in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Bakers leaned on a strong start, building an 11-0 lead in the first period, before sustaining their charge on their way to the win that boosted the Foundation Cup titlists to a tie at the top with Caida Tiles.
Former Far Eastern U standout Carl Bryan Cruz joined forces with Congolese centre Rod Ebondo, combining for 29 points as the duo made mincemeat of the UP frontline.
“We had a good start and UP didn’t play well,” said Cafe France coach Egay Macaraya, who also drew 14 points from Samboy de Leon and 11 from Paul Zamar.
Raymond Aguilar finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds as the Maroons lost for the first time in three games.
Tanduay came up with a balanced attack to coast to a 95-56 victory over Mindanao earlier.
Former Letran star Jaypee Belencion tallied 18 points to lead six other players with at least seven points as the Rhum Masters proved unforgiving on both ends in inflicting more misery on the Agilas.
It was the first victory in three games for Tanduay, which led by as many as 44 points after holding Mindanao to just four points in the third period.
“The veterans stepped up,” said Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson. “The first win is certainly a huge morale boost for the team.”
The scores:
First Game
TANDUAY 95—Belencion 18, Santos 14, Lingganay 12, Tagarda 12, Eriobu 8, Gotladera 7, Javillonar 6, Celda 4, Koga 4, Wetherell 4, Cenal 2, Llagas 2, Lo 2, Pessumal 0.
MINDANAO 56—Garcia 11, Ongteco 11, Acibar 6, Sarangay 6, Ignacio 5, Jumao-as 5, Villanueva 5, Ferrer 3, Nalos 2, Rivera 2, Navarro 0, Rublico 0, Wetherell 0.
Quarters: 31-17, 53-30, 75-34, 95-56
Second Game
CAFEFRANCE 94—Cruz 15, De Leon 14, Ebondo 14, Zamar 11, Abundo 10, Opiso 6, Villahermosa 6, Jeruta 5, Manlangit 5, Celso 4, Arim 2, Casino 2, Anunciacion 0.
UP QRS/JAM LINER 73—Aguilar 14, Ferrer 13, Baloria 12, Alolino 7, Batino 6, Moralde 5, Soyud 5, Dario 4, Neypes 3, Asilum 2, Desiderio 2, Sorela 0, Vito 0.
Quarters: 29-12, 51-35, 80-57, 94-73