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| PBA |
By Ivan Saldajeno
PASIG--Cafe France showed its championship pedigree early on and clobbered newcomer Mindanao, 89-65, in the second day of the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena on Monday.
Banked around the core of reigning NAASCU champions CEU Scorpions, the Bakers, the reigning Foundation Cup holders, blew out the Aguilas early on, opening a 19-8 first quarter lead and maintaining the double-digit spread for most of the first half.
Mindanao appeared to have slowed down Cafe France in the third quarter, limiting its opponent to only 14 in the said period.
But the Bakers also limited the Aguilas to 14 third quarter points and pulled away for good after a 32-point fourth.
Rod Ebondo exploded for 16 points, 17 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and two steals for Cafe France, which is tagged as a favorite for the title.
Dexter Garcia tallied a game-high 21 markers, six caroms, and one swipe for Mindanao.
Box Scores:
Cafe France 89-Ebondo 16, Manlangit 13, Villahermosa 11, Zamar 10, Jeruta 9, Celso 7, Arim 5, Casino 5, Cruz 5, De Leon 4, Abundo 2, Opiso 2, Guinitaran 0
Mindanao 65-Garcia 21, Sarangay 11, Jumao-As 9, Ignacio 6, Acibar 4, DeGuzman 3, Rivera 3, Rublico 3, Nalos 2, Villanueva 2, Navarro 2, Julkipli 0, Ongtengco 0, Wetherell 0
Quarterscores: 19-8, 43-31, 57-45, 89-65
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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