WITH the playoffs just around the corner, CaféFrance and Racal make a final push to galvanize their bids for a coveted spot in the post-eliminations round of the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Aspirants’ Cup.
Interestingly, the two teams will be up against each other in the 3 p.m. encounter that promises to be a suspense thriller neither side can afford to lose.
In the other game at 3 o’clock at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City, Tanduay also seeks for an all-important win against winless Blustar. The Rhum Masters are currently at fifth spot with a 4-3 mark but could earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals with a second straight win.
The Bakers and Tile Master share second place with 6-1 won-lost records behind leader Cignal (7-1). Both teams are well aware of the magnitude of the meeting and Racal Coach Jerry Codiñera could only hope his troops would be able to keep pace with the seasoned Bakers.
The winning team enhances its chance of finishing in the top two at the end of the eliminations and an outright entry in the semifinals.
“They’re a champion team. They beat us during the off-season, so we have to play with our A-game,” said Codiñera, who will bank on Kent Salado, Sidney Onwubere and Jackson Corpuz.
“I think we can match up with them, but that will not be enough. The key is to be able to execute and play with discipline,” Codiñera added.
That’s exactly what the Tile Masters need to do against the Bakers, who are riding high on a five-game winning streak to look good entering the final stretch of the eliminations.