Cafe France, UP target D-League semis spots

ARMED with a twice-to-beat bonus, Cafe France and University of the Philippines QRS/Jam Liner seek semifinal berths when they square off with separate rivals as the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup quarterfinal round begins at Ynares Sports Arena.

The Bakers are heavy picks to roll past Wangs Basketball in the 2 p.m. quarterfinal clash after topping the single-round elimination with a 6-1 record.

The Fighting Maroons are bracing for a dogfight against the Tanduay Rhum Masters in the other quarterfinal duel at 4 p.m. pitting the fourth and fifth seeds.

UP will be seeking a repeat of its 102-86 conquest of Tanduay in the elimination round last Jan. 26. But the Maroons will be facing a more cohesive Tanduay squad this time as the Rhum Masters found their groove, going 5-1 since that defeat.

Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson, however, remains wary of the Maroons, who boast gunners Kevin Ferrer, Gelo Alolino and Raymond Aguilar.

“We have to step up on defense to stand a chance against the well-oiled offense of UP QRS/JAM Liner,” said Chongson, who has a veteran-laden crew led by former University of the East stars Rudy Lingganay, Val Acuna, and Pari Llagas.

Tanduay last advanced to the Final Four in the 2013 Foundation Cup. Cedelf P. Tupas