Coach Pua displeased despite Cagayan’s rout of Café France

Kris Alas vs Raymund ALmazan PBA D-LEAGUE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines—Cagayan blew out Cafe France, 85-70, Monday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Arellano University Gym.

But still, head coach Alvin Pua was displeased with how his team performed.

“May tendency yung mga bata na magrelax,” said Pua, unhappy with his team’s lack of killer’s instinct.

Raymund Almazan was again a force on both ends of the floor with 15 points, 16 rebounds and six blocks.

The Rising Suns led by as much as 17, 70-53, in the third quarter but the team’s tendency to relax, which Pua cited, allowed the Bakers to cut it to 10, 78-68, with still 3:22 left.

Coming back to its senses off a timeout, Cagayan responded with six unanswered points capped by an Almazan tip in, 84-68, with 2:08 left.

Cagayan hiked its record to 3-1 while Cafe France took its first loss in two games.

Mike Parala had 19 points and nine rebounds for the Bakers.