Bakers stretch streak to 5 games, beat Titans

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Cafe France used a strong fourth quarter to down AMA Online Education, 92-83, Monday in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.

Rod Ebondo showed the way for the Bakers, towering over the competition with 29 points, 18 rebounds and six blocks while Paul Desiderio added 14 markers on 3-of-6 shooting from threes.

The victory extended Cafe France’s winning streak to five games as it now boasts 6-1 record, inching closer to nabbing one of the two outright semifinal seats.

“The good thing here is we still have a hold on our destiny. We have to win our remaining games to hopefully land a spot in the top two,” said Cafe France coach Egay Macaraya.

The Bakers weathered a superb third quarter rally from the Titans and answered with an 8-2 spurt to open the fourth, establishing control while repelling AMA’s late fightbacks

Juami Tiongson fired 23 points and six rebounds, while Jeron Teng had 22 markers, nine boards, and six assists for the Titans, who ended their elimination round campaign at 5-4.

The scores:

CAFE FRANCE 92 – Ebondo 29, Desiderio 14, Arim 9, Casino 9, Calisaan 8, Faundo 6, Veron 5, Manlangit 4, Aquino 3, Baloria 3, Wamar 2, Guinitaran 0, Jeruta 0.

AMA 83 – Tiongson 23, Teng 22, Olayon 9, Alabanza 8, Arambulo 8, Barua 8, Taganas 5, Baluyot 0, Bragais 0, Riley 0.

Quarters: 28-19, 50-45, 67-68, 92-83.