Café France posts breakthru win

MANILA, Philippines - In a game that meant little and a lot at the same time, Café France outlasted Jr. Powerade Tigers, 85-83, in the PBA D-League at the Trinity University of Asia Gym in Quezon City.

The breakthrough win came on the sixth try for Café France, which was important according to coach Mon Jose coming as it did against a team they will play once more on May 24, this time with a first-round berth on the line. Jr. Powerade fell to a similar 1-5 card at the end of the classification round.

“ Its a big psychological boost,” said the mentor, who also handles the Centro Escolar University team in the NAASCU from whom the core of the team is drawn from.

Even before the game, both teams knew they would play each other in the Group B knockout game prior to the first round of the playoffs whatever happened in their match yesterday.

The Tigers held a 61-71 lead late in the third period behind the efforts of John Smith, James Martinez, Alvin Padilla, Brian Ilad and Magi Sison, who were all in double figures after three periods.

But Café France, behind the double-double heroics of Mon Mabayo (21 points and 10 rebounds) as well as new recruit Jervin Parale, grabbed the upperhand at 82-78 with 2:33 left.

JR Bulangis gave Café France a two-point lead in the final twelve seconds before their team’s defense held Jr. Powerade with no solid looks at the basket on its final possession.