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Cafe France leaned on the veteran trio of Carl Bryan Cruz, Rod Ebundo and Paul Zamar as the Bakers battled back from 24 points down to repulse Caida Tiles, 90-87, Thursday and seize top spot in the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.
Cruz fired 26 points, Zamar wound up with 25 points and Ebondo dished out a double double with 18 points and 14 rebounds as the Bakers improved to 4-0 ahead of idle Phoenix-FEU.
The Bakers survived a lackadaisical start, rallying from a 28-52 deficit in the second period behind the stellar play of Cruz and Zamar to pin a first loss on the Tile Masters.
“I only have eight guys who can play these kind of games, but at least, the team showed heart,” said Cafe France coach Egay Macaraya, whose team ruled the Foundation Cup last year.
Tanduay nailed its second straight victory at the expense of Wangs Basketball, 90-75.
Rudy Lingganay and Reden Celda joined forces in a 17-4 burst that propelled the Rhum Masters to their second win in four games.
Lingganay fired six of his 16 points in the final period, while Adrian Santos also added 16 points and five rebounds. Celda chipped in 14 points.
Clark Bautista and new recruit Mark Romero combined for 26 points as Wangs fell to 1-3.
Cruz proved efficient, going 8-of-11 shooting from the field, while grabbing five rebounds. Zamar nailed four triples aside from issuing three assists.
The scores:
First Game:
TANDUAY 90—Lingganay 16, Santos 16, Celda 14, Pessumal 12, Llagas 9, Belencion 7, Wetherell 6, Javillonar 5, Gotladera 3, Tagarda 2, Cenal 0, Koga 0.
WANGS BASKETBALL 75—Bautista 13, Romero 13, Mangahas 10, Banal 9, Jo. Montemayor 8, Publico 6, Acosta 5, Cueto 5, Je. Montemayor 4, Munsayac 2, Ilad 0, Tumalip 0, Vijandre 0.
Quarters: 23-19, 41-34, 64-52, 90-75
Second Game:
CAFEFRANCE 90—Cruz 26, Zamar 25, Ebondo 18, Jeruta 9, De Leon 8, Villahermosa 3, Manlangit 1, Abundo 0, Arim 0, Casino 0, Celso 0, Opiso 0.
CAIDA TILES 87—Paniamogan 15, Nambatac 13, Perkins 12, Cabrera 11, Jalalon 9, Lozada 7, Grey 6, Javier 6, Corpuz 2, Gabawan 2, Maiquez 2, Robles 2, Terso 0.
Quarters: 24-23, 40-56, 67-67, 90-87