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After suffering its first loss exactly a week ago, Cafe France vented its frustrations on AMA University, 97-78, in the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Monday at San Juan Arena.
The win gave the Bakers a half game lead over Caida in the standings as the top two teams are neck-and-neck in the race for the No. 1 seed.
“I guess the boys learned their lessons kasi nakita natin na pumukpok sila ngayon. At least, the boys played well and naka-bounce back kami,” said Cafe France head coach Egay Macaraya.
Aaron Jeruta poured 13 of his 20 points in the first half and had six rebounds and five assists, while Paul Zamar shot 15 markers for the Bakers.
Carl Bryan Cruz tallied 14 points, six boards, and five assists, Rod Ebondo had a double-double of 12 markers and 19 rebounds, and Samboy de Leon got 10 in the wire-to-wire victory.
Macaraya said his team responded after getting a reality check in a 79-74 loss to Tanduay last Monday.
“They thought we were invincible. Iniisip ng mga bata na they can recover anytime, pero di kami naka-recover. Natuto kami sa leksyon na yun,” he said.
Jarelan Tampus paced AMA (2-5) with 19 points, while RR de Leon had 14 markers and six rebounds.
The scores:
CAFE FRANCE 97 – Jeruta 20, Zamar 15, Cruz 14, Ebondo 12, De Leon 10, Manlangit 7, Abundo 5, Casino 5, Celso 4, Opiso 3, Arim 2, Anunciacion 0, Guinitaran 0, Villahermosa 0.
AMA UNIVERSITY 78 – Tampus 19, De Leon 14, King 11, Jamito 9, McCarthy 9, Arambulo 5, Angeles 4, Carpio 3, Magpantay 2, Mendoza 2, Alberto 0, Jordan 0.
Quarters: 22-10, 45-35, 79-56, 97-78.