MIKE Silungan and the UP Maroons take another shot at Luis Gonzaga and the Ateneo Blue Eagles. AUGUST DELA CRUZ/FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Cafe France shut down Jumbo Plastic in the second half to win, 92-69, Monday for its second straight victory in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
But just as the Bakers are starting to hit their strides, head coach Edgar Macaraya is wary that his team might take a step back with his players going into their respective provinces to spend the Holy Week.
“Concern ko lang is baka mawala yung focus nila sa laro,” said Macaraya. “That’s what happened to us last time. After we beat NLEX (last conference) we started losing.”
But with a 23-point win, the Bakers appeared far from being on vacation mode.
Mike Silungan topscored with 18 points on seven-of-14 shooting to go along with four rebounds to lead five other teammates in double-figure scoring.
“Number one, maganda depensa namin,” said Macaraya. “…and Mike Silungan is gaining his form back.”
Silungan knocked in nine points in the first quarter and another nine points in the third, all from long distance, that helped Cafe France (2-1) to take a 67-60 edge entering the final frame after being down by six at the intermission.
The Bakers’ strong play in the third period carried over in the fourth quarter where they held the Giants to just nine points.
Mark Lopez, also Silungan’s teammate during his stint with University of the Philippines in the UAAP, added 12 points. Mike Parala also had 12.
Jens Knuttel scored all of his 11 points in the second half, nine in the fourth on nine-of-10 shooting at the line to go along with six rebounds and five assists while Alfred Batino and Ryan Gallardo contributed 10 points apiece.
“Nag-step up lahat ng players ko,” added Macaraya, whose squad faces a rejuvenated Big Chill squad next on Monday.
“Ganda ng laro ng Big Chill ngayon, bumalik na naman si Romeo. Confidence booster nila si Romeo.”
As worried as Macaraya sounded on Romeo’s return in the Superchargers’ lineup from injury, what concerns him most is hoping his players would be mentally and physically ready after a layoff.