CAFÉ France found some much-needed help for Rod Ebondo on Thursday as Aaron Jeruta stepped up big late to help the Bakers extend their PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup semifinals battle against Racal.
Ebondo and Jeruta combined for 21 points in the payoff period of the Bakers' 86-75 win over Racal in Game Two of the the best-of-three semifinal series.
Ebondo finished with another dominant showing as he ended up with 25 points, 23 rebounds, and six blocks.
The veteran Jeruta, meanwhile, had his best game of the conference with 18 points, including 10 in the final quarter where the Bakers erased a 61-52 deficit.
Still, coach Egay Macaraya was far from satisfied, saying that to beat Racal in the best-of-three series, he needs all hands on deck.
"I need everybody right now," said Macaraya in the aftermath of the victory at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
[See Cafe France rallies past Racal to keep finals bid alive]
Macaraya, who used a nine-player rotation in Thursday's match, was also worried fatigue might take its toll on his veterans. But he hopes the Bakers heed his call and recover in time for Game Three on Tuesday at the same venue.
"I'm just fielding the veterans, hoping na mag-step up ang mga beterano ko. Fatigue will be crucial in Game Three. I hope we can recover," he said.