Café France weathered a ferocious rally by Cagayan in the  second half and defeated the Rising Suns, 88-80, on Monday to brightened its chances of making the PBA D-League Foundation Cup playoffs at the Ynares Sports Arena.

The Bakers used a 14-8 run in final five minutes to hold off the Rising Suns, who charged back from a 14-point halftime deficit and pull within 72-74 on a 3-point play by Je Agas with 5:39 remaining.

“This is a big moral booster for the team. But our next game is most crucial. It will determine whether we’ll make it or not,” said Café France coach Egay Macaraya.

Kevin Racal scored 19 points and new recruit Jason Deutchman added 13 and 10 rebounds for the Bakers, who improved to 3-4 (win-loss) record.

The Bakers can secure their place quarterfinals with a victory against Boracay Rum (2-4) on March 17.

Racal scored 11 of his points in the first half as the Bakers roared to a 45-31 advantage at halftime.

Jopher Custodio scored 13 points in the third quarter and Agas contributed 12 as the Rising Suns battled back pulled within 60-63 going into the third quarter.

Cagayan made it a one point game as JR Bulangis sank two free throws to open the third.

But the Bakers kept their poise and scored seven of the next nine points to stretch their lead to 70-64 on two free throws by Josan Nimes.

Cagayan tried to stay in the game but their offense went sour in the crucial stretch of the match.

Custodio led all scorers with 32 points and Agas added 17 for the Rising Suns, who stayed winless in eight games. (Dave Coros)    

The scores:

Café France 88 – Racal 19, Deutchman 13, Knuttel 10, Nimes 9, Mabayo 9, Magat 8, Semira 7, Parala 6, Garcia 5, MAgbitang 2, Gallardo 0, Alquisalas 0.

Cagayan Rising Suns 80 – Custodio 32, Agas 17, Macuha 7, Lapuz 6, Bulangis 6, MElano 5, Arce 5, Eman 2, Gatchalkian 0, Lascano 0, Dela Cruz 0, Aggrao 0, Calabung 0.

Quarters: 17-15; 45-31; 63-60; 88-80