RnW overcomes late deficit to defeat Cafe France in PBA D-League

Jordan Sanvictores and JR Buensuceso chose a good time to explode in giving RnW Pacific Pipes a big lift as the Steelmasters overhauled a 12-point deficit entering the fourth quarter to beat Café France, 80-76, Monday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Sanvictores and Buensuceso scored 21 points for the Steelmasters that sparked a 21-5 windup in the final period to improve to 2-2.

The lefty Sanvictores also nailed two free throws for the go-ahead and hit a jumper to give RnW Pacific Pipes the lead for good.

Sanvictores and Buensuceso, recruited from California, played in their first game after being cleared by the league following their submission of confirmation from the Bureau of Immigration and Department of Justice.

Café France looked headed for a big win—its first in the conference and second in the young franchise—after building a 63-51 lead in the third quarter.

RnW Pacific Pipes, however, had other ideas.

“The boys didn’t gave up,” said RnW Pacific Pipes coach Topex Robinson. “We were just more aggressive in the end that’s why we got the victory.”

After trailing 71-59, a 9-0 run cut Café France’s lead to three points, 71-68. Jeff Viernes hit a three-pointer but Sanvictores and Buensuceso, who tried out for the Sinag Pilipinas national team, made it a 74-72 game.

Café France held a 76-72 lead but after Kevin Racal missed his second free throw, RnW Pacific Pipes grabbed the possession that led to a Sanvictores post move.

The Bakers came up empty again and they paid dearly as Sanvictores hit a medium-range jumper from left with 21.7 seconds to play, 79-76. Buensuceso hit one insurance free throw to settle the final score.

Mac Montilla and Viernes each scored a game-high 22 points in a losing effort for the Bakers.

Scores:

RNW PACIFIC PIPES 80—Sanvictores 17, Buensuceso 14, Ilagan 13, Viray 8, Del Rio 6, Dela Cruz 6, Racal 7, Del Rio 6, Dela Cruz 6, Miranda 2, Delgado 0, Maiquez 0.

CAFÉ FRANCE 76—Montilla 22, Viernes 22, Lucernas 11, Dumapig 7, Antipuesto 6, Mabayo 4, Parala 2, Guillen 2, Parala 2, Lamosa 0, Magbitang 0.

Quarterscores: 18-19, 36-41, 51-63, 80-76.

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