AARON Jeruta came up with the biggest plays down the stretch as defending champion Cafe France slipped past Racal, 83-79, last night for its second straight victory in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
Stepping up in the absence of Rod Ebondo in the final five minutes, the Centro Escolar U standout took charge by knocking in four of the Bakers’ last five points in the final minute to break the Tile Masters’ resistance.
Ebondo finished with 15 points and grabbed six rebounds but fouled out with five minutes left to play. But the Bakers kept their poise, thanks in large part to Jeruta and Mon Abundo, whose split from the foul line with 11 seconds left sealed the victory.
Racal fell to 1-1.
“The boys simply refused to lose,” said Cafe France coach Egay Macaraya.
Earlier, Phoenix Petroleum gained a share of the early lead with a 108-78 crushing of Topstar Z.C. Mindanao to improve to 2-0.
Mac Belo exploded for 25 points, including 18 in the first half, while Mike Tolomia contributed in 22 points, five boards, and four assists.
The Accelerators had five players scoring in double figures, with Ed Daquioag finishing with 16 points while Roger Pogoy and Jens Knuttel chipped in 10 points apiece.
The Aguilas got off to a strong start, zooming to an 11-0 lead before Belo caught fire in the second period to turn the game around for the Accelerators.
“We need to be more consistent,” said Phoenix coach Eric Gonzales.
The Bakers actually raced to a 20-1 lead but Philip Paniamogan got Racal back into the contest with his outside shooting.
The scores:
First Game
PHOENIX 108—Belo 25, Tolomia 22, Daquioag 16, Knuttel 10, Pogoy 10, Iñigo 7, Escoto 5, Jamito 5, Pascual 4, Batino 2, Mendoza 2, Andrada 0, Tamsi 0.
TOPSTAR ZC MINDANAO 78—Ignacio 14, Ongteco 12, Cabrera 10, Jumao-as 9, Rivera 7, Tano 7, Cawaling 6, Garcia 5, Julkipli 3, Rono 3, Sarangay 2, Argamino 0, Dadjilul 0.
Quarters: 22-27, 51-41, 75-65, 108-78
Second Game
CAFE FRANCE 83—Ebondo 15, Jeruta 12, Zamar 10, Parala 9, Opiso 8, Villahermosa 8, Abundo 6, Cruz 6, Casino 5, Manlangit 4, De Leon 0.
RACAL 79—Paniamogan 24, Banal 13, Grey 10, Maiquez 7, Celiz 5, Robles 5, Gabawan 4, Javier 4, Ortuoste 3, Terso 3, Ruaya 1, Corpuz 0, McCarthy 0.
Quarters: 27-14, 38-27, 60-51, 83-79