Bakers outlast Titans in OT

MANILA, Philippines - Café France bucked a sloppy start with a strong finish then outplayed AMA University in overtime, 74-68, to remain in third spot heading to the playoffs in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City yesterday.

The Bakers trailed from the start and needed to battle back from 11 points down in the fourth quarter to force overtime where they outscored the Titans, 12-6, to clinch the victory, their eighth against two losses, and secure the twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals.

Rodrigue Ebondo went four-for-five and poured in 11 points in fourth period to spark Café France’s mighty comeback then Samboy de Leon took over in extension, scoring six points as the Bakers foiled the Titans and posted their second straight OT win after edging the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems, 67-62, last Thursday.

In the second game, MJM Builders routed MP Hotel, 93-68, in a duel of ousted teams. MJM improved to 3-6 while dealing MP Hotel its eighth loss against a win.

Cebuana Lhuillier also scored a runaway 85-62 romp over Wangs Basketball as the Gems improved to 5-4 for a shot at the twice-to-beat in the quarters.

Wangs Basketball bowed out with a 2-7 slate.

Ebondo finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds while Maverick Ahanmisi backed him up with 17 points and 12 boards.