Cafe France nips Phoenix, wrests lead

CARL Brian Cruz caught fire in overtime as Cafe France outlasted Phoenix, 96-93, last night to seize the solo lead in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

In a rematch between two teams that figured in the Aspirants Cup finals, Cruz shone the brightest with nine of his 15 points in the extra session, enabling the Bakers to steal top spot from the Accelerators with a 7-1 record. Phoenix dropped to 7-2.

“What’s important is we finished in the Top Two,” said Cafe France coach Egay Macaraya.

The Bakers looked comfortably ahead, 92-85, after a Cruz basket but Mike Tolomia and Roger Pogoy nailed back-to-back treys to push the Accelerators within a point.

Paul Zamar sealed the win with two free throws for the Bakers.

Earlier, AMA Online Education whipped Topstar ZC Mindanao, 109-84. The Titans improved to 2-5, while the Aguilas stayed in the cellar at 0-9.

The Scores:

First Game

AMA 109—Arambulo 24, McCarthy 24, Taganas 17, Martinez 14, Asuncion 12, Macaranas 7, Jordan 4, Belleza 3, Bragais 2, Jo. Montemayor 2, Carpio 0, Dizon 0, Je. Montemayor 0, Ortega 0.

TOPSTAR ZC MINDANAO 84—Garcia 25, Jumao-as 15, Cawaling 12, Ongteco 8, Julkipli 7, Argamino 5, Rivera 5, Ignacio 4, Rono 3, Onde 0, Santos 0, Tano 0.

Quarters: 30-19, 42-41, 72-62, 109-84

Second Game

CAFE FRANCE 96—Cruz 15, Ebondo 15, Zamar 15, Abundo 13, Jeruta 12, Opiso 6, Parala 6, Custodio 5, Casino 4, Manlangit 3, Arim 2.

PHOENIX 93—Pogoy 26, Daquioag 16, Tolomia 16, Escoto 11, Inigo 10, Jamito 6, Mendoza 5, Colina 2, Batino 1, Andrada 0, Tamsi 0.

Quarters: 19-21, 42-35, 59-57, 79-79, 96-93.