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Cafe France ties finals series against Phoenix-FEU

PBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

SAN JUAN, MM--Despite yet another endgame drama, Cafe France-CEU equalized in its best-of-five PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Finals series with Phoenix-FEU after taking an 86-77 victory at the FilOil Flying V Centre on Tuesday.

The Bakers, who played chasers in Game 1, held on to the lead as the Accelerators almost perfected their trailers role.

Behind a 29-11 second quarter outburst, Cafe France built a lead of as much as 21 points and was ahead, 81-70, with less than four minutes left in the fourth.

But a 7-0 run drew Phoenix-FEU to within four, 77-81, with 1:52 remaining.

Carl Cruz then delivered in the clutch after scoring five straight points to put the result beyond doubt.

Cruz amassed 18 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while Rod Ebondo added 11 points, 20 rebounds, two assist, and a block for the Bakers.

Mac Belo fired 22 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and two steals off the bench, while Mike Tolomia had six points, seven rebounds, ten assists, and two steals for Phoenix-FEU.

Box Scores:

Cafe France 86-Cruz 18, Zamar 13, Jeruta 12, Ebondo 11, Abundo 19, De Leon 8, Manlangit 7, Opiso 4, Villahermosa 3, Casino 0, Celso 0

Phoenix-FEU 77-Belo 22, Daquioag 16, Pogoy 10, Tamsi 9, Tolomia 6, Ru. Escoto 5, Inigo 5, Andrada 4, Ri. Escoto 0, Mendoza 0, Pascual 0

Quarterscores: 20-23, 49-34, 69-51, 86-77

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno