CaféFrance aims to extend its winning streak to four games and stay in contention for a playoff spot when it faces AMA Online Education today in the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Aspirants’ Cup at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
The Bakers have already secured their place in the quarterfinals with a 5-1 won-lost record but want nothing less than finishing second place at the end of the elimination round to qualify for an outright semifinal spot.
Bakers Coach Egay Macaraya is keeping his fingers crossed that his chargers, led by Paul Desiderio, Michael Calisaan and Rod Ebondo, have remained motivated during their 11-day layoff.
“We focused on individual defense. We need to stop their scorers,” said Macaraya, referring to AMA’s go-to guys Jeron Teng and Juami Tiongson.
AMA, meanwhile, is aching to bounce back from its shock 98-93 loss to Wang’s Basketball last Monday as it dropped to fourth place with a precarious 5-3 card.
“We lacked the energy and it’s definitely a learning experience for us. But we’ll be better on our next game,” Teng said.
The Titans, however, remained in contention for a quarterfinals berth although a loss in their final game in the eliminations could put them in danger of dropping further to fifth or six spots. Worst scenario for them is getting eliminated.
The CaféFrance-AMA encounter is set at 5 p.m., following the 3 p.m. duel between Batangas and Tanduay.
The Batanguenos are highly motivated following back-to-back victories, including a 92-68 rout of Blustar last Tuesday that kept them in the hunt for a playoff spot with a 3-4 card.
Batangas Coach Eric Gonzales is visibly pleased with his team’s little achievement and hopes they could sustain their effort against the Rhum Masters.
“Hopefully, when we face Tanduay, we can maintain the same mind-set: Enjoy the game and play basic basketball. Again, we’re happy with what we have right now, and we’re trying to improve on it and also build on it,” Gonzales said.
Following some unexpected results, Tanduay Coach Lawrence Chongson hinted on changes in his camp as Tanduay tries to arrest a two-game slump for a 3-3 record.
Notwithstanding the turn of events, Chongson is confident they will advance to the next round, but urged his troops to get their act together in time for the postseason.