Egay Macaraya. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Hoping for more cohesive play, Cafe France targets a share of the lead versus BDO-National University in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena.
“We combined the old players with some new ones and we’re still adjusting,” said Cafe France coach Egay Macaraya.
The Bakers—who won last conference’s crown with the core of Centro Escolar University—go for back-to-back wins against the Bulldogs at 2 p.m.
A win by the Bakers will put them on top with Caida Tiles and University of the Philippines-QRS/Jam Liner.
Wangs Basketball and Mindanao Aguilas, meanwhile, shoot for their first win in the second game at 4 p.m.
Although the Bakers kicked off their campaign with a rout of their opponent, Macaraya noted the team’s errors, including 13 turnovers in the first quarter.
“I think everyone just wants to play aggressively, that’s why at times we’re out of control,” said Macaraya after the Bakers cruised past the Aguilas, 89-65, last Monday.
“But it’s just the first game, hopefully we’ll adjust.”
The Bakers also vie to work on better chemistry between new recruits Paul Zamar and Mar Villahermosa and the holdovers led by Rod Ebondo, Samboy de Leon, Alvin Abundo, and Aaron Jeruta.
But the Bulldogs—coming off a narrow loss to the Maroons, 90-85—intend to match up with Alfred Aroga, Pao Javelona and Jay Alejandro.