D-League: RnW pips Cafe France

Raymond Aguilar towed RnW Pacific Pipes to victory against Cafe France in his first game with the team, 89-75, Thursday in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Arena in Pasig.

Aguilar, who was signed after a short stint with the ABL’s Chang Thailand Slammers, had a team-high 20 points to make an immediate impact with the Steelmasters (3-2), who extended their winning streak to three games.

Four other players scored in double figures, with Raymond Ilagan adding 18 points, Jeric Teng 16 and JR Buensuceso 15.

“Eto na yung sinasabi kong momentum na hinahanap namin,” said RnW Pacific Pipes coach Pido Jarencio. “Yung last two games na nanalo kami ng close games, na-build na ‘yung character, ngayon iba na yung takbo ng team. Medyo aggressive na at nasa focus na.”

RnW Pacific Pipes jumpstarted to a 23-13 lead in the first period with Aguilar scoring seven points and the game never got close. Buensuceso spearheaded the Steelmasters’ attack with nine points in the second for a 43-29 halftime lead.

Axl Garcia led Café France with a game-high 25 points while Michael Parala and Josan Nimes had 13 and 10 points each as the Bakers (1-4) fell to their fourth consecutive defeat.

Follow @interaksyon