PBA D-League Accelerators, Bakers duel for lead

MANILA, Philippines – Phoenix and Café France collide today in what could be a preview of the championship with the Accelerators out to stay on top and the Bakers seeking to wrest the solo lead in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The last time these two fancied teams met, the Accelerators dethroned the Bakers to snare the Aspirants’ Cup crown in a thrilling duel.

“Everytime we go up against Phoenix, it’s either for the lead or the championship so there is this competitive spirit,” said Café France coach Egay Macaraya. “It will be a good game and I know both teams want to win.”

Phoenix paces the field with a 7-1 card, losing only to Racal and ahead of Café France, which totes a 6-1 card.

Racal is in third with a 7-2 slate while Tanduay completes the top four with a 6-3 mark, making the chase for the Top 2 and the semis incentives tighter and fiercer.

Despite their setback to the Tile Masters that snapped the run to five, the Accelerators won their next two games with coach Eric Gonzales confident of adding another at the expense of the defending champions.

“We’re finally seeing the changes. The coaches have been talking about our consistency but we are more concerned of our game than worry about our opponents,” said Gonzales.

Meanwhile, AMA Online and Topstar ZC Mindanao tangle in the 4 p.m. opener with the Titans looking for their second win in seven games against the winless Aguilas.