MANILA, Philippines—Cafe France banked on a 16-3 run late in the game to dispose of newcomer Erase Plantcenta, 74-57, Thursday in the 2012 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Led by Mapua standout Josan Nimes, the overhauled Bakers stretched a slim 53-50 edge to a 16-point gap within three minutes en route to an opening game victory.
The lanky 19-year-old guard scattered nine of his 11 total points in the fourth quarter alone, and was aided by Jens Knuttel who added a team-high 12 points, off the bench.
“He’s our start. With the confidence we’re giving him, he’s able to take the responsibility that comes along,” said coach Ed Macaraya of Nimes.
Erase Plantcenta was able to stay within striking distance of Cafe France, but failed to seize the momentum entirely and take the lead in the second half.
Plantcenta even tied the game at 43 all late in the third on a triple by Jet Vidal, but was the closest they would get.
Vidal led all scorers with 17 points, going from 5-of-10 from downtown while new addition Allan Mangahas, who recently played for San Miguel Beer in the Asean Basketball League, added 11 points.
The scores:
Cafe France 74- Knuttel 12, Guillen 12, Nimes 11, Parala 9, Semira 8, Mabayo 7, Ighalo 3, Garcia 3, Alquisala 3, Magat 3, Magbitang 2, Gallardo 1, Parale 0.
Erase 57- Vidal 17, Mangahas 11, Del Rio 9, Torres 6, Pascual 4, Acosta 4, Sarangay 4, Stevens 2, Dela Cruz 0, Lascunas 0, Flores 0, Gomez 0, Melegrito 0.