Hot Café France melts Big Chill

MANILA, Philippines - Mac Montilla and Jeff Viernes combined for 46 points as Café France shocked erstwhile unbeaten Big Chill, 71-61, in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Trinity University of Asia gym yesterday.

Montilla waxed hot in the third period, hitting 12 of his 25 points, including three triples, as the Bakers turned a 33-37 halftime deficit to a 54-49 lead at the end of the third period.

 The win snapped Big Chill’s three-game run, frustrating the Super Chargers from joining the Freego Jeans Makers in the lead.

In the other game, Cebuana Lhuillier routed Blackwater, 73-52, to improve to 4-1.

Kevis Alas scored 18 points, including 11 straight in the first quarter as the Gems opened a 15-3 lead never looked back the rest of the way.

Vic Manuel, Jai Reyes and Terrence Romeo backed up Alas with 12 points apiece.

The loss was the second straight for Blackwater, which fell to fourth place with a 3-2 card.

Isiah Ciriacruz scored 21 points and Neil Pascual added 10 for the Elite which pulled within, 41-47, late in the third but came up short.