PBA D-League: Cafe France disposes of Blustar to gain share of lead

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Cafe France made easy pickings of Blustar Detergent, 90-61, Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig to once again grab a share of the leadership in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup.

The Bakers tied Phoenix, which is playing against AMA Online Education as of posting, at the top of the standings with a 6-1 record.

Rod Ebondo towered for the Bakers with a huge double-double performance of his 20 points, 20 rebounds, and two blocks, while Paul Zamar helped him with 20 markers of his own that went with six assists and two boards.

Jopher Custodio also marked his debut for Cafe France with 14 points and four rebounds.

“We focused on our transition defense, controlling boards, and attacking the middle. The game plan was very effective and I’m happy that everybody contributed,” said coach Egay Macaraya, who was stuck in traffic and arrived to the game before the start of the third quarter.

Ebondo and Zamar teamed up for Cafe France in a 16-0 tear to finish the first half that put them ahead, 42-28, at halftime which would even balloon to 29 late in the game.

The victory also came easier for the Bakers compared to their first round matchup against the Dragons, where they had to pull away late to score the 98-83 win last June 14.

Cafe France also weathered the absence of Carl Bryan Cruz, who was serving his one-game suspension, as the team gravely outrebounded Blustar, 61-39.

Juami Tiongson led the Dragons (1-7) with 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Kuek Tian Yuan and Ma Chee Kuen combined for 22 markers in the defeat.

The Scores:

CAFE FRANCE 90 – Ebondo 20, Zamar 20, Custodio 14, Parala 8, Abundo 7, Jeruta 6, Opiso 5, Arim 4, Manlangit 4, Casino 2, Anunciacion 0.
BLUSTAR 61 – Tiongson 17, Kuek 11, Ma 11, Liaw 6, Yim 6, Choo 4, Palma 4, Wong 2, Gan 0, Mak 0, Teo 0.

Quarters: 22-17, 42-28, 61-45, 90-61.