Bakers smother Maroons, gain lead

Games Tuesday

2 p.m. – Phoenix-FEU vs UP QRS/JAM Liner
4 p.m. – AMA University vs BDO-NU

MANILA, Philippines – CafeFrance unleashed one big run in the opening quarter and turned what was expected to be a tight duel of unbeaten teams into a one-sided affair as it rolled past UP QRS/Jam Liner, 94-73, to join Caida Tile in the lead in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig yesterday.

The Bakers scored 11 unanswered points to open the match then went on to post a 17-point bulge after 10 minutes en route to the trouble-free victory, matching the Tile Masters’ three straight wins in the early going of the tournament.

“The boys played very well and we had a very good start. They were able to execute our game plan,” said CafeFrance coach Egay Macaraya.

Carl Bryan Cruz led the Bakers with 15 points, while Rod Ebondo defied the Maroons’ defense and finished with a double-double of 14 markers and 12 rebounds.

Samboy de Leon also chipped in 14 points on a 3-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc, Paul Zamar had 11 markers, while Mon Abundo finished with 10 points to underscore the Bakers’ balanced scoring sock.

Raymond Aguilar shot 14 points and hauled down 14 rebounds while Kevin Ferrer wound up with 13 markers for the Maroons, who dropped to solo fourth at 2-1 behind Phoenix-FEU (2-0).

Earlier, Tanduay also coasted to a 39-point rout of Mindanao, 95-56, to snap back-to-back losses.