D-LEAGUE: CAFE FRANCE, JUMBO GUN FOR SPOTS IN FINAL 4
Third-seed Café France and fourth-ranked Jumbo Plastic both seek repeats against Bread Story-Lyceum and Cebuana Lhuillier, respectively, in a pair of PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup quarterfinal matches Thursday.
The Bakers and the Pirates clash at 2 p.m. while the Giants and the Gems collide at 4 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage over their rivals, Cafe France and Jumbo Plastic need only a win to advance to the Final Four.
Top seed Cagayan Valley and no.2 Hapee earned outright passage to the semifinals as incentive for finishing 1 and 2 at the end of the elimination round.
“It feels good to have an advantage in the quarters. This is a first for us and it really adds up to the confidence of the players. Right now I would say they’re focused and motivated to make the next round,” observed Café France coach Egay Macaraya.
His only worry, according to Macaraya, is his team’s lack of a killer instinct. But he noted that the Bakers have improved on their character and showed some consistency the past couple of games.
Café France routed Bread Story-Lyceum, 88-74, in the eliminations. Apparently, that loss serves as motivation for the Pirates.
“We’re the only newcomer to reach this far and the guys want to prove they belong in this league,” said Bread Story mentor Bonnie Tan, who revealed that he is leaving the team after the conference. “We’re happy with what we have achieved but we are not yet done.”
Jumbo Pastic also defeated Cebuana Lhuillier, 63-61, in the eliminations but observers feel this matchup could go either way considering the Gems’ improved play of late.
The Giants and Gems finished the elims with identical 7-4 records but Jumbo Plastic earned the quarterfinals incentive on the strength of the winner-over-the-other rule.
“Whatever the result of our first meeting, it doesn’t count anymore. This is an entirely new ball game so hopefully we can match up well with them [Gems] in the quarters,” said Jumbo Plastic coach Stevenson Tiu.
Forward Jan Colina and center MacLean Sabelina are still struggling with their games after being sidelined by injuries but Tiu is keeping his fingers crossed that both will pick up their rhythm in the quarters.
After a roller-coaster ride for most part of the eliminations, the Gems appeared steady in the stretch, closing the round with three straight wins.
“It’s a good sign. If we could keep it up we might have a chance,” said Cebuana Lhuillier coach Boycie Zamar. (DBC)
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