PHOENIX-FAR Eastern University may have nearly blown a 20-point cushion versus Cafe France in Game 1 but coach Eric Gonzales still liked how his Accelerators kept calm and steady.
Gonzales wants to see that same composure when the Accelerators try to foil an anticipated Bakers rebound in Game 2 of the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Finals at 12 noon today at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
“We expect them to fight back,” said Gonzales as the Accelerators go for a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-five series. “But what’s important is that we’re not stopping.”
Surging ahead early, the Accelerators took the series opener with an 82-78 decision last Thursday behind Roger Pogoy’s 18 points and nine rebounds.
But four other Accelerators helped fend off the Bakers’ huge rally as Ed Daquioag (16 points), Mac Belo (15 points and 13 rebounds), Mike Tolomia (13 points, seven boards and eight assists) and Russel Escoto (12 points and 10 rebounds) all posted big numbers.
Gonzales also credited his squad’s defense.
Cafe France coach Egay Macaraya believes the Bakers can turn the series around and pick up a second straight title. But of course, there’s no revealing his tactics yet.
“I saw something that will make a difference in the second game,” he said.