Bakers wary of Rhum Masters ahead of tiff tonight

CAFE France tries to strengthen its hold of the No. 1 spot against a team that just got a prized catch.

Days after wresting the solo lead from Phoenix, the Bakers battle a Tanduay Rhum squad that’s set to unveil former University of Santo Tomas star Kevin Ferrer tonight.

And coach Egay Macaraya admits it’s going to be tough for his Bakers as they face not only a beefed-up Rhum Masters, but also a confident team that dealt their lone loss.

Game time is 6 p.m. at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

“It’s like they’re a jinx to us,” Macaraya said of the Rhum Masters, who at 6-3, still have a strong shot at a top-two finish.

Struggling teams AMA Online Education (2-5) and Blustar Detergent (1-8) tangle in the first game at 4 p.m.

Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson said the acquisition of Ferrer was the boost the Rhum Masters needed in the last two weeks of the elimination round.

“We know the worth of Kevin Ferrer,” Chongson said of the 6-foot-4 forward, who is coming off a stint with the Gilas Pilipinas cadet squad.

Cafe France grabbed the solo top spot at 7-1 after slipping past erstwhile leader Phoenix, 96-93, in overtime last Thursday.

Phoenix fell to a share of second place with Racal at 7-2, while Tanduay stood just a win behind at 6-3.

Only the top two teams at the end of the elimination round will earn a twice-to-beat bonus in the semifinals.

“We are not leaving any stones unturned,” said Chongson. “We want to do everything we can to make it to the top two.”

The Rhum Masters gun for a repeat of their upset win over the Bakers, 84-80, last June 16 where Gelo Alolino starred with 22 points.