Hapee faces big test vs Tanduay five

Hapee again braces for another tough challenge as it vies for a share of the early lead against Tanduay Light in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup today at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

“We just have to make it work,” said Hapee coach Ronnie Magsanoc. “We want early wins as much as possible. It builds the confidence, it builds the system and it fast-tracks the chemistry.”

The Fresh Fighters, who survived AMA University’s huge fightback, 69-61, last Monday, aim for back-to-back wins in the 4 p.m. match versus a Tanduay Light side that has to do without suspended coach Lawrence Chongson.

Cafe France coach Egay Macaraya also thinks he has yet to see the full potential of his Bakers, who together with Cagayan Valley, will shoot for a 2-0 start against separate foes.

“It’s too early to predict if we have a good team,” said Macaraya after his Bakers coasted to an 86-59 victory over MP Hotel last week.

Cafe France clashes with Racal Motors at 2 p.m., while Cagayan Valley tackles Bread Story at 12 noon.

Commissioner Chito Salud had slapped Chongson with a P150,000 fine and a one-game suspension for “reckless and unsubstantiated” comments against the league and other member teams.