CaféFrance used a strong second half to dispatched Jose Rizal University (JRU), 86-75, in the quarterfinals of the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Aspirants’ Cup on Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
John Casino scored 11 of his 15 points in the third quarter as the Bakers outscored the Bombers, 33-17, in the period to take a 10-point margin entering the fourth.
The third-ranked Bakers continued to dominate the fourth and went on to join early qualifiers Cignal and Racal in the semifinals.
While he was pleased that his chargers got the job done, CaféFrance coach Egay Macaraya noted that the game against the Bombers exposed their weaknesses.
“I think this game really showed that we have a lot of troubles when the opponent plays us with the zone. We must make our outside shots so that we can also get the ball down low to Rod Ebondo,” he said.
Paul Desiderio and Ebondo each scored 16 points to pace CaféFrance. Joseph Sedurifa contributed 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Tey Teodoro carried the JRU with 18 points, two rebounds, and two assists, while Jhaps Bautista got 14 markers, five boards and three assists in the loss.