CAFE France tries to turn the title series in its favor today with coach Egay Macaraya hoping that the Bakers would again set the tempo of the game early.
Back in their old fiery form, the Bakers go for a 2-1 advantage over the Phoenix-Far Eastern University Accelerators in Game 3 of their best-of-five showdown in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Finals at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. Game time is 3 p.m.
“Hopefully, we can come out with the same intensity,” said Macaraya.
Unlike in the series opener where the Accelerators dominated early for an 81-77 decision, the Bakers came out with a lot of fight right in the first half to hack out an 86-77 Game 2 triumph and level the series at 1-1.
Carl Bryan Cruz atoned for his paltry four-point outing by unloading half of his 18 points in the final quarter, including crucial baskets inside the last two minutes of Game 2.
Cruz, an MVP candidate along with Phoenix stars Mac Belo and Mike Tolomia, also credited the effort of the rest of the Bakers.
“I have really good teammates,” said Cruz. “They didn’t let up on defense and they were patient in looking for the open guy.”