The Café France Bakers fanned their hopes for a top two spot with a 93-67 win over the Topstar ZC-Mindanao Aguilas, Tuesday afternoon, in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
However, their chances are dependent on AMA Online Education pulling off an upset over Racal in the final game of the eliminations, which is ongoing as of press time. However, a Racal win would relegate the Bakers to the third seed, where they will need two wins against fierce rivals Phoenix to book a return trip to the Finals.
“We’re still hoping pero whoever we play, we’ll prepare hard for the semis naman,” said Bakers assistant coach Mike Buendia, who called the shots with fellow deputy Yong Garcia in place of head coach Egay Macaraya, who was serving his one-game suspension.
“Nakakahinayang. We lost some crucial games, pero ganun talaga. We have to live with it. Yung top four na papasok can beat anybody naman.”
Carl Bryan Cruz came off the bench to lead Café France (9-3) with 23 points and five rebounds, while Mike Parala registered a double-double with 12 markers and 10 boards. Paul Zamar chipped in 12 points, and Joseph Manlangit had 11 markers and six rebounds.
Congolese big man Rod Ebondo missed the game due to flu.
Café France shrugged off the Aguilas in the second half, pulling away 71-52 early in the fourth, and padded the lead to as high as the final 26-point margin.
“Ang bilin lang ni coach, play within the system and follow the gameplan, execute our offense, and play good defense,” said Buendia. “Luckily nung second half, naging okay kami.”
Topstar ZC Mindanao exit the tournament winless at 0-12.
Gino Jumao-as anchored the Aguilas with 12 points and four rebounds, while JR Cawaling added 12.
The Scores:
Cafe France (93) – Cruz 23, Parala 12, Zamar 12, Manlangit 11, Opiso 10, Abundo 6, Arim 6, Custodio 6, Casino 3, Anunciacion 2, Jeruta 2.
Topstar (67) – Jumao-as 20, Cawaling 12, Garcia 9, Ongteco 7, Santos 7, Argamino 4, Julkipli 3, Rivera 3, Sarangay 2, Dadjilul 0, Tano 0.
Quarterscores: 22-18, 48-36, 64-52, 93-67.
