By Ivan Saldajeno
QUEZON CITY--Cafe France-CEU's Mon Abundo may have shot a late three-point attempt in a PBA D-League game on Monday against Tanduay Light that he would rather not see.
The triple went in, and it turned out to be the decider.
Abundo's awkward trey staved the Bakers from a late collapse against the Rhum Masters, walking away with a 68-62 win at the JCSGO Gym.
With time running out on Cafe France's shotclock, Abundo hurried the long distance shot that hit the glass before falling in, dousing cold water to Tanduay's late run.
The Bakers led, 55-43, with 8:04 remaining in the game, but the Rhum Masters made an 11-2 run in the next two minutes to cut the lead to three, 57-54.
Cafe France pulled another run to extend the lead to nine, but Tanduay answered with a rally of its own to again draw to within three with 1:42 left.
The Rhum Masters, however, failed to score in the remainder of the game as Abundo's bank shot sealed the deal for the Bakers.
Maverick Ahanmisi scored 16 points for Cafe France, which outscored Tanduay, 25-10, to take the lead for good.
Aljon Mariano had 22 points for Tanduay, but no other player scored in double figures.
Box Scores:
Café France-CEU 68—Ahanmisi 16, Noble 15, Ebondo 9, Sedurifa 7, Galanza 6, Abundo 5, Jeruta 4, Miranda 2, Andrada 2, Batino 2, De Leon 0, Cortez 0
Tanduay Light 62—Mariano 22, Sumang 9, Belencion 8, Jumao-as 6, Foronda 6, Eriobu 4, Santos 2, Ilagan 2, Dela Paz 2, Tagarda 1, Cenal 0, Escueta 0, Mandani 0, Escueta 0, Rono 0
Quarterscores: 7-13, 32-23, 52-43, 68-62
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