CaféFrance, Phoenix start title series

Game Today (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City) 3 p.m. – CaféFrance vs Phoenix-FEU

CaféFrance and Phoenix-Far Eastern University (FEU), two teams with championship experiences in the collegiate ranks, begin their best- of-five duel for the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup title today at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

After sweeping their respective rivals in the semis, the Bakers and the Accelerators look to complete the final hurdle to their title aspirations begin- ning at 3 p.m.

CaféFrance is eyeing a sequel to its breakthrough conquest in last year’s Foundation Cup and join NLEX as the only teams in the league to win backto-back crowns.

Phoenix, on the other hand, is led by players who steered Far Eastern University to the UAAP championship last December and are aiming to add the D-League to their list of accomplishments.

Despite completing a semis sweep at the expense of the only team to beat them in the elimination round in the Tanduay Rhum Masters, the Bakers declared themselves as the underdogs in the series.

“Underdogs pa rin kami. Isipin mo, 11 players are coming from Centro Escolar University,” said CaféFrance coach Egay Macaraya after Tuesday’s 72-63 win over Tanduay. “But we’ve won championships together and alam naman ng mga bata kung paano maglaro sa ganyang situation.”

When informed that Macaraya labeled Phoenix as the favorites, Accelerators coach Eric Gonzales responded in jest.

“Sana nga magkatotoo yun,” said Gonzales, whose Phoenix stopped talent-laden Caida, 94-90, also on Tuesday.

But when asked about the threat that the Bakers bring, Gonzales suddenly became serious in discussing their foes in the finals.

“Iba yung pag may import ka. Sana nga andito si (Prince) Orizu eh," said Gonzales, referring to the Nigerian import who was a key contributor in FEU’s UAAP title run.

“Pero aside from (CaféFrance center Rod) Ebondo, andun si (former FEU cager) Carl Cruz. Senior yan sa mga player ko. Tapos yung guards nila, madidiin din talaga lumaro."