There was no stopping CaféFrance from pouring on the heat in the third quarter.
Behind Cameroon’s Rod Ebondo, who unloaded 27 points, CafeFrance brushed off a slow start to put away Victoria Sports-MLQU, 95-84, yesterday in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Bakers hiked their winning run to four and fortified their hold of second spot.
The Bakers hold a 5-1 win-loss record, while Victoria dropped its fifth in six games.
Ebondo also had 8 rebounds, two assists and five blocks, providing a solid source of offense and defense for CaféFrance.
Paul Desiderio added 20 points and Aaron Jeruta had 11.
The Bakers came out of the halftime break humming after sleep-walking through the first two quarters.
Trailing by 14 in the second quarter, the Bakers got back in the groove at the start of the second half, exploding for 38 points in the third quarter to open a 70-61 advantage entering the last 10 minutes.
Ebondo presided over the roaring rally.
Threading silently in the first half, Ebondo churned up a storm in the third period with 15 points, while Jeruta, and Rich Guinitaran backed him with 17 points.
“Malas kami in breaking the zone but we focused on defense in the second half,” said CaféFrance coach Egay Macaraya.
Robbie Herndon led Victoria with 20 points, while Aris Dionisio had 14 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and two steals.
Ongoing at presstime is the game between Tanduay and Cignal-San Beda.
Scores:
CAFéFRANCE 95 – Ebondo 27, Desiderio 20, Jeruta 11, Faundo 10, Guinitaran 10, Manlangit 8, Calisaan 7, Aquino 2, Arim 0, Casino 0, Gabriel 0, Veron 0, Wamar 0.
VICTORIA 84 – Herndon 20, Dionisio 14, Grimaldo 11, Sorela 10, Nicholls 8, Koga 6, Ayonayon 5; Bitoon 4, Lao 4, Ragasa 2, Mag-isa 0.
Quarters: 17-21; 32-44; 70-61; 95-84.