D-League: Cafe France grabs share of second with JRU rout

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Cafe France used a strong second half start to pummel Jose Rizal University, 75-57, Thursday in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Bakers came out hot off the halftime break, unleashing a huge 17-2 charge to turn a close 38-36 lead to a decisive 55-38 advantage midway in the third period.

With its confidence running high, Cafe France extended the lead to as high as 21, 73-52, as Aaron Jeruta drained three freebies with 1:53 remaining.

The win allowed the Bakers to grab a share of second place with Tanduay, with both teams carrying an identical 3-1 card.

Coach Egay Macaraya admitted changing his gameplan during the halftime break as his newcomers struggled to perform at par with the Heavy Bombers in the first half.

“The difference is our approach. We mostly tried to give chances to our rookies, but the disadvantage there is they had a hard time adjusting. It’s a good thing that our veterans stepped up,” he said.

Rod Ebondo provided the stability down low, tallying 21 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks.

Paul Desiderio also had 13 markers on a 3-of-5 shooting from threes, along with eight boards and three assists.

Jhaps Bautista carried JRU (2-2) with 13 points and eight rebounds, but that wasn’t enough as the Heavy Bombers succumbed to their second straight defeat.

The Scores:

CAFE FRANCE 75 – Ebondo 21, Desiderio 13, Casino 7, Calisaan 6, Gabriel 5, Jeruta 5, Veron 5, Faundo 4, Arim 3, Manlangit 2, Wamar 2, Aquino 0, Guinitaran 0.

JRU 57 – Bautista 13, Poutouochi 12, Pontejos 11, Grospe 9, Teodoro 4, Bordon 3, Lasquety 2, Santos 2, Sawat 1, Estrella 0, Lopez 0, Mate 0.

Quarters: 16-19, 38-36, 55-45, 75-57.