Zamar help Bakers force do-or-die

Paul Zamar took charge in the second half as CafeFrance scrambled for a 100-94 victory over Phoenix-FEU at the Arena in San Juan yesterday to force a sudden death for the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup crown.

The veteran Zamar poured in 16 of his team-high 25 points at resumption of the contest as the Bakers broke away from a tight 47-44 game and storm to a 75-64 lead heading to the last 10 minutes of play.

But the Accelerators, who took Games 1 and 3 to wrest control, refused to give up and fought back to within one only to get stymied by offensive miscues and missed shots from the perimeter and long range.

“Paul played superb today and saved CafeFrance,” said coach Egay Macaraya.

CafeFrance, gunning for a second straight championship, and Phoenix-FEU dispute the crown in a rubber match tomorrow at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Congolese center Rod Ebondo imposed his will inside and came through with 18 points and 13 rebounds, Carl Bryan Cruz finished with 17 points and eight rebounds, and Samboy de Leon added 15 markers for the Bakers.

“The boys showed character and they really wanted to win this game,” said Macaraya.

With CafeFrance up by 14, 82-68 in the final 6:47, Mac Belo anchored Phoenix-FEU’s last-ditch rally, bringing down the lead down to just one, 88-89, with still 2:58 remaining in the match.