Carl Bryan Cruz leads Cafe France. PBA IMAGES
Cafe France got its groove back and held off AMA Online Education, 92-86, Tuesday in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Carl Bryan Cruz imposed his presence and paved the way for the Bakers’ fourth win with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Congolese big man Rod Ebondo added 16 markers and nine boards.
Aaron Jeruta also got 12 points, eight assists, and five rebounds in the win, while Paul Zamar chimed in 11 markers.
Cafe France bounced back from its first defeat of the tourney, an 84-80 loss to Tanduay last Thursday.
“The boys were complacent. Good thing for us is nanalo pa rin kami,” said coach Egay Macaraya, whose team gained solo second at 4-1.
Still, he remains wary of his players complacency midway through the tournament.
“Kailangan lang namin yung energy and effort. Para kasing nasanay na kami na makakapunta lang ng championship na wala kaming ginagawa. Hopefully, ma-correct namin yun.”
The Bakers broke off in the second quarter, leading 48-31 at the half and extending the advantage to as big as 18, 57-39.
The Titans, though, kept coming back and nipped the lead to as close as six, but the uprising was just too little too late.
Rashawn McCarthy made his return to AMA with 25 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, while Ryan Arambulo got 18 markers.
Jay-R Taganas also got 16 points and 16 boards in the defeat.
The Scores:
CAFE FRANCE 92 – Cruz 20, Ebondo 16, Jeruta 12, Zamar 11, Villahermosa 10, Manlangit 6, Parala 6, Opiso 4, Arim 3, Abundo 2, Casino 2.
AMA 86 – McCarthy 25, Arambulo 18, Taganas 16, Publico 15, Siruma 8, Ragasa 2, Bragais 1, Jo. Montemayor 1, Jordan 0, Je. Montemayor 0.
Quarters: 27-19, 48-31, 72-59, 92-86.