CAFE France fought back from nine points down to nip Racal, 86-75, in Game Two of the PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup semifinals on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Rod Ebondo and Aaron Jeruta took charge in the fourth quarter, combining for 21 points to help the Bakers erase a 61-52 deficit.
Ebondo had an all-around outing of 25 points, 22 rebounds, and six blocks, while Jeruta scored 18 points in his best game yet this conference.
Game Three is on Tuesday.
"The boys played well on defense. At least nananalo na kami ngayon kasi hirap kami sa Racal manalo e," said Cafe France coach Egay Macaraya.
Jeruta scored 10 in the fourth period, including a basket that put Cafe France on top, 70-69, entering the final minute.
"I guess it's Aaron. He stepped up. He's been the missing factor," he said.
Rey Nambatac scored 14 points for the Tile Masters but was a non-factor in the payoff period.
Jackson Corpuz and Allan Mangahas added 12 points apiece.
The scores:
Café France 86 - Ebondo 25, Jeruta 18, Casino 9, Desiderio 8, Manlangit 8, Sedurifa 7, Calisaan 6, Faundo 5, Arim 0.
Racal 75 - Nambatac 14, Corpuz 12, Mangahas 12, Torres 11, Cabrera 10, Salado 8, Flores 4, Onwubere 4, Capacio 0, Dagangon 0, Gabawan 0, Gabayni 0, Terso 0.
Quarterscores: 15-20; 33-43; 52-61; 86-75.