Cignal-San Beda clobbers Cafe France

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Cignal-San Beda showed that it’s one of the contenders in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup after turning back powerhouse Cafe France, 88-74, Monday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Hawkeyes came out of the gates firing, kicking off with a 26-8 start to take control early on.

Rod Ebondo led the Bakers’ rally, pulling the team within five, 44-39, with 7:12 left in the third frame, but Jason Perkins and Byron Villarias restored order for Cignal as they brought the lead to as high as 24, 73-49, with 7:14 remaining.

Villarias got 16 of his 21 points in the second half and shot 5-of-8 from threes.

Perkins went perfect from the field en route to 14 markers and eight rebounds, while Robert Bolick had 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists in the breakthrough win for Cignal.

“I’m happy with the way my players played. It’s a complete 360-turnaround from our first game to this second game. Credit to the boys for steping up in practice in our last four days and hopefully, we stay consistent in playing these kinds of games,” said Cignal coach Boyet Fernandez.

The win leveled Cignal with Tanduay and Wangs Basketball, as they all carry identical 1-1 slates.

“It gives us confidence that we can win in this league. We formed the team two weeks ago and winning against a champion team like Cafe France give us confidence and trust in ourselves. Hopefully continue to learn,” he said.

Ebondo paced the Bakers with 29 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks.

The scores:

CIGNAL 88 – Villarias 21, Perkins 14, Bolick 10, Arboleda 8, Bahio 7, Bringas 6, Raymundo 6, Potts 5, Arong 4, Mocon 3, Batino 2, Oftana 2, Adamos 0, Tongco 0.

CAFE FRANCE 74 – Ebondo 29, Aquino 10, Desiderio 6, Faundo 6, Veron 5, Guinitaran 4, Arim 3, Calisaan 3, Casino 3, Wamar 3, Jeruta 2, Gabriel 0, Manlangit 0.

Quarters: 26-13, 42-28, 65-47, 88-74.