Café France aims for quarterfinal slot, faces NLEX today

THE CAFÉ FRANCE Bakers are hoping for a slot in the quarterfinals but will almost have to move heaven and earth to do so when they face the mighty NLEX Road Warriors today in the PBA Aspirants Cup at the Trinity University of Asia in Quezon City.

Cafe France is coming off an 86-78 win against Informatics but may have a tough time recording its first back-to-back win this conference when it battles NLEX, winners of seven straight this conference and 24 overall dating back to the semifinals of this very same conference last January.

Michael Parala scored 20 points, Gryann Mendoza had 11 while Jens Knuttel and Marion Magat each scored 10 points to power the Bakers past the Icons for their third win in five games.

Big Chill attempts to bounce back from a 24-point loss against NLEX last Dec. 29 when it takes on Fruitas in the other game at 2 p.m.

The Road Warriors, who are already secured of a semi-final berth, will be using the game to improve on their defense according to coach Boyet Fernandez “because we believe it will crucial in our campaign this season.”

Fruitas center Ola Adeogun is listed as doubtful for today’s encounter so the Shakers are in danger of playing again with a short-handed roster. With a 2-3 mark the Shakers are in danger of eliminations. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio