CaféFrance bounced back big and downed AMA Online Education, 92-86 in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup yesterday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Carl Bryan Cruz led the attack with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Congolese big man Rod Ebondo imposed his presence in the paint with 16 markers and nine boards.
Aaron Jeruta also had 12 points, eight assists, and five rebounds, while Paul Zamar buried 11 in the victory.
Despite the win, coach Egay Macaraya remains unsatisfied with the Bakers’ effort for the day.
“The boys were complacent. Good thing for us is nanalo pa rin kami,” he said. “Kailangan lang namin yung energy and effort. Para kasing nasanay na kami na makakapunta lang ng championship na wala kaming ginagawa. Hopefully, ma-correct namin ’yun.”
CaféFrance rebounded from its first defeat of the tourney, an 84-80 loss to Tanduay last Thursday.
The Bakers pulled away in the second quarter, holding a 48-31 at halftime and extending the lead to as high as 18, 57-39.
Rashawn McCarthy marked his AMA return with 25 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, while Ryan Arambulo had 18 markers.
Jay-R Taganas also got 16 points and 16 boards in the defeat.
Scores:
CAFE FRANCE 92 – Cruz 20, Ebondo 16, Jeruta 12, Zamar 11, Villahermosa 10, Manlangit 6, Parala 6, Opiso 4, Arim 3, Abundo 2, Casino 2.
AMA 86 – McCarthy 25, Arambulo 18, Taganas 16, Publico 15, Siruma 8, Ragasa 2, Bragais 1, Jo. Montemayor 1, Jordan 0, Je. Montemayor 0.
Quarters: 27-19, 48-31, 72-59, 92-86.
