MANILA, Philippines—Cafe France fought back from 18 points down to repulse Cobra Energy Drink, 78-73, Thursday for a breakthrough win in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Far Eastern U Gym.
The Bakers used a solid defensive stand in the second half while getting clutch baskets from Mac Montilla to hold off the Ironmen for their first win in four games.
It was actually just the Bakers’ second victory in two conferences in the D-League.
“The boys finally learned how to win because the last time we were just happy to lead by 15 points,” said Café France coach Edgar Macaraya.
RnW Pacific Pipes notched back-to-back wins for the first time in the tournament after overpowering PC Gilmore, 59-48, in the second game.
The Steel Masters drew 12 points from Franz Delgado and 10 markers from Raymund Ilagan as they improved to 3-2 for solo sixth spot.
PC Gilmore came within 30-36 early in the third period before baskets from Vergel Zulueta and Kevin Racal allowed the Steel Masters to pull away anew, 48-35.
The Wizards fell to their third straight loss, while the Ironmen remained winless in four games.
The Bakers held the Ironmen to 10-of-40 shooting in the second half that enabled them to recover after an early 6-24 deficit.
The scores:
First Game
CAFÉ FRANCE 78—Montilla 21, Viernes 19, Guillen 8, Lucernas 8, Antipuesto 8, Parala 6, Dumapig 4, Mabayo 2, Magbiutang 2, LAmosa 0, Abundo 0.
COBRA 73—Nimes 15, Belorio 9, Cubo 6, Stevens 6, Cortes 6, Flores 5, Alas 3, Noble 3, Casajeros 2, Santos 2, Ko 2, Zablan 0. Quarters: 16-30, 32-43, 58-59, 78-73
Second Game
RNW 59—Delgado 12, Ilagan 10, Sanvictorres 6, Racal 6, Del Rio 6, Viuray 4, Buensuceso 3, Miranda 3, Antonio 3, Zulueta 3, Maiquez 2, Dela Cruz 1, Imporatante 0.
PC GILMORE 48—Celiz 16, Acosta 10 , Sarangay 8, Mandani 5, Torres 5, Vidal 3, Taha 1, Nabong 0, Lim 0, Gacoco 0, Magat 0, Nuilan 0, Agas 0.
Quarters: 15-11, 34-23, 44-35, 59-48