Cafe France gives Pacquiao team MP Hotel a forgetful D-League debut

Maverick Ahanmisi of Cafe France (dark) vs Jhon Sumido of MP Hotel (light). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines – Cafe France gave MP Hotel rude welcoming with an 86-59 whipping in the opener of the 2015 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Monday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Bakers opened up with a big lead 31-9 at the end of the first quarter and never looked back.

“We just had a good start and our opponents weren’t just used to the game yet,” said Cafe France head coach Egay Macaraya.

Cafe France was never threatened and would lead by as much as 30, 72-42, after a basket by Yutien Andrada early in the fourth quarter.

But the easy win won’t convince its coach just yet.

“They still have to prove something when we play against strong teams. I’m not yet completely sold with my team yet. Let’s see if we face strong competition.”

The Bakers had nine players with at least six points led by Fil-American Maverick Ahanmisi and Mon Abundo, who had 11 points each.

“Maverick is a very good player,” Macaraya said of his stocky guard, who played for the University of Minnesota in the NCAA Division I.

No MP Hotel player scored in double digits with Jumabon Bulac hitting nine.