BIG Chill goes for a sixth straight victory today against a Cafe France side that relishes the underdog tag in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup.
Bracing for a tough duel, the Superchargers try to extend their perfect run at the start of a three-game bill at 12 noon at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
“They’re a tough match for us,” Big Chill coach Robert Sison said of the Bakers. “But every game we’ve been prepared. I think that’s the difference from the past seasons.”
Cagayan Valley, also off to a strong start at 5-1, battles Wangs Basketball at 4 p.m., right after NLEX guns for a third triumph versus Boracay Rum at 2 o’clock.
Cafe France coach Egay Macaraya thinks his Bakers, toting a 3-2 mark, find it harder when they head into a match as favorites.
“We play with more fire when we’re the underdogs,” said Macaraya. “When we’re favored, the players either relax or get pressured.”
Sison said he’s wary of the school-based Bakers, who boast of African players Rodrigue Ebondo and Aristotle Mutombo of Centro Escolar University aside from reinforcements Josan Nimes and Jens Knuttel.
“Their bigs will sure be a tough challenge for us. So we got to be ready to play physical.”
NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez said his Road Warriors also can’t overlook the Waves, who got off to an erratic start at 2-3 even with celebrated guard Chris Banchero.
“If they get into their rhythm, they will be tough to beat,” said Fernandez.
Banchero wound up as the lone double-digit performer last Tuesday when the Waves absorbed an 84-54 loss against Cagayan Valley.
So Fernandez expects the Waves to come out focused on rebounding from that embarrassing 30-point demolition.
“We can’t take them for granted,” said Fernandez. “Boracay is a strong team and Banchero is a good player.”
The Road Warriors, banking on the core of NCAA champion San Beda, routed their first two foes by an average of 23 points.