Experienced trumped youth, as the Café France Bakers moved to joint second place, pummeling the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 75-57.
With their veterans leading the way, the Bakers fired a 17-2, third quarter salvo to turn a 38-36 halftime edge to a commanding 55-38 lead midway through the third quarter.
The advantage would further balloon to 21, 73-52, courtesy of Aaron Jeruta’s three free throws with 1:53 to play.
“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,” said coach Egay Macaraya.
Rod Ebondo just missed out on a double-double with 21 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, while Paul Desiderio once again nailed three treys to end up with 13 markers, eight boards, and three assists.
Café France rose up to a 3-1 slate, forcing a tie for the second spot with Tanduay.
Jhaps Bautista topped JRU with 13 points and eight rebounds, but his side fell to a 2-2 card after absorbing their second straight loss.
Cafe France will face Wangs next on February 14, Tuesday, at 11:00 AM. JRU, meanwhile, will play Victoria Sports next Thursday, February 16, also at 11:00 AM. Both games will be played at the Ynares Arena.
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.
Quarterscores: 16-19, 38-36, 55-45, 75-57.
