Bakers, Rhum Masters move to semis
Cafe France overpowered Jose Rizal University in the third quarter then hung tough in the clutch as the Bakers tripped the Heavy Bombers, 86- 75, to advance to the semifinal round of the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City today.
The No. 3 Bakers bucked a slow start, outscoring their rivals, 33- 17, in the third frame to storm to a 65- 52 lead behind JK Casino and Rod Ebondo then fended off the Bombers’ fourth quarter surge to set up a duel with No. 2 Racal in the next round.
Later in the night, Tanduay squandered a 15- point lead but held off AMA Online Education down the stretch, 80-76, to arrange a semis showdown with top seed Cignal on Tuesday.
The Heavy Bombers charged back in the payoff period behind Jhaps Bautista and Teytey Teodoro while cashing in on two fouls by Ebondo to close in at 75-78 with 1:24 left.
But Bakers new recruit Joseph Sedurifa, who suited up for ousted Batangas this conference, drilled in a triple to spark a decisive closing 8-0 spurt.
Teodoro misfired from the long range twice as JRU failed to overcome Cafe France’s twiceto-beat advantage and bowed out of the race.
Despite the win, Café France coach Egay Macaraya aired his concerns as he felt the quarterfinal duel exposed the Bakers’ glaring weaknesses.
“We really have a difficulty with zone defense. That is what JRU was able to show,” said Macaraya.
Paul Desiderio and Ebondo shot 16 points apiece while Casino and Sedurifa added 15 markers each for Café France.
Teodoro paced the Heavy Bombers with 18 points, Bautista came through with 14 markers while John Ambuludto, who was fouled out with 46.5 remaining, logged 10 points.
The No. 4 Rhum Masters took control early, 21-6, but the Titans rallied behind new addition Von Tambeling, who played for ousted Wangs Basketball, who fired 16 points in the second half as AMA forced a tie at 74 with 5:28 remaining in the contest.
But Bong Quinto and Mark Cruz hit four free throws in the clutch to shut the door on the Titans, who threatened last at 76-77 with 1:13 left on a drive by Jason Riley.
Cruz topscored with 23 points while Jerwin Gaco added 16 markers for Tanduay, which held AMA hotshot Jeric Teng to a season-low six points.
Tambeling tallied 27 points and Riley chipped in 12 markers as Teng was held to a 1-of-15 clip and committed five turnovers. The former La Salle star hauled down six rebounds and dished off six assists.
“Let’s give it to AMA. They refused to lose as well. Their season was also on the line so hats off to them. But in the end, my boys were able to squeeze it out,” said Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson.