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Cignal stuns Cafe France

PBA

By Dugout Philippines

PASIG--Aching to show its worth, Cignal-San Beda clobbered favorites Cafe France, 88-74 to score its breakthrough victory in 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup Monday at Ynares Sports Arena.

Byron Villarias caught fire in the second half and poured 16 of his 21 points on a 5-of-8 clip from threes.

Jason Perkins also tallied 14 markers and eight rebounds, while Robert Bolick got 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists for the Hawkeyes.

"I'm happy with the way my players played. It's a complete 360-turnaround from our first game to this second game. Credit to the boys for steping up in practice in our last four days and hopefully, we stay consistent in playing these kinds of games," said coach Boyet Fernandez.

Cignal started out hot, erecting a 26-8 lead to open the game before a furious rally in the second allowed the Bakers to get to within five, 44-39, with7:12 left in the third frame.

Perkins and Villarias, however, had no plans for a collapse as they brought the Hawkeyes' lead back to 24, 73-49, with 7:14 remaining.

Fernandez noted that the victory allowed Cignal to show that it can hang on along with the league's powerhouse teams, saying, "It gives us confidence that we can win in this league. We formed the team two weeks ago and winning against a champion team like Cafe France give us confidence and trust in ourselves. Hopefully continue to learn."

Congolese big man Rod Ebondo was the lone bright spot for the Bakers with 29 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks.

Box Scores:

Cignal-San Beda 88-Villarias 21, Perkins 14, Bolick 10, Arboleda 8, Bahio 7, Bringas 6, Raymundo 6, Potts 5, Arong 4, Mocon 3, Batino 2, Oftana 2, Adamos 0, Tongco 0

Cafe France-CEU 74-Ebondo 29, Aquino 10, Desiderio 6, Faundo 6, Veron 5, Guinitaran 4, Arim 3, Calisaan 3, Casino 3, Wamar 3, Jeruta 2, Gabriel 0, Manlangit 0

Quarterscores: 26-13, 42-28, 65-47, 88-74

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