Café France is still on life support.
The Bakers dominated Arellano University and routed the Chiefs, 92-63, yesterday to keep their flickering playoff hopes alive in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the JCSGO gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
Needing an all-important win, the back-to-the-wall Bakers played with sense of urgency and controlled the game from the start.
Rod Ebondo scored 18 points, pulled down 12 rebounds, and had four blocks to the lead the Bakers, who closed out the elimination round with an 8-5 (win-loss) record.
They could advance to the quarterfinals should Blackwater Sports (7-5) lose to Cebuana Lhuillier (5-7) today.
In the other game, Big Chill subdued Boracay Rum, 94-91, to regain the solo lead.
Reil Cervantes tallied 28 points while Quinton Heruela added 10 and had 10 assists for the Superchargers, who improved to 11-1 record. Boracaay Rum closed out its campaign with a 6-7 mark.
“We’re still at it. All we can do now is sit and wait. Our fortune is not in our hands. But in case miracle happens, we’re ready for the next round,” said Café France coach Egay Macaraya, although he doesn’t seem optimistic about their chances.
“But I’m still pleased with what we have achieved this conference. Our (win-loss) record is a big improvement from the last conference. It only goes to show that Café France’s goal to develop new players is a success.”
Mark Parale scored 15 points while Ryan Gallardo had 10 and eight assists for the Bakers, who dominated the boards, 54-32. Their aggressiveness off the glass also earned a 24-5 advantage on second chance points and 24-17 edge on fastbreak points.
The Scores:
Café France 92 – Ebondo 18, Parale 15, Gallardo 10, Montilla 9, De Leon 8, Nimes 7, Batino 6, Cortes 5, Abundo 4, Banua 2, Celso 2, Mutombo 2, Opiso 2, Sarangay 2.
Arellano University 63 – Webb 14, Acidre 14, Tayongtong 10, Arquero 9, Nuilan 6, Fran 5, Rogado 3, Palma 2, Yaya 0, Ciriacruz 0.
Quarterscores: 26-18; 50-36; 72-48; 92-63.
Second Game
Big Chill 94 – Cervantes 28, Apinan 12, Heruela 10, Villahermosa 10, Mirza 8, Lozada 8, Maiquez 7, Baloria 6, Canlas 3, Brondial 2, Santos 0.
Boracay Rum 91 – Belo 20, Banchero 17, Taha 12, Cabrera 10, Bautista 7, Ilagan 7, Viernes 6, Arellano 4, Tagarda 4, Sabellina 2, Eguilos 1, Rosopa 1.
Quarters: 29-20; 52-44; 69-68; 94-91