3 teams aim for early lead in PBL's season-opening conference

Cobra Energy Drink and Pharex B Complex clash in the 2 p.m. contest with the winner getting the early lead in the season-opening conference while Excelroof tries to earn a share of the top spot when its faces ANI-FCA at 4 pm at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Cobra, Pharex and Excelroof are currently tied for the top spot with Cossack Vodka while Ascof Lagundi, Fern-C, AddMix and ANI-FCA hold identical 0-1 slates.

Of the four teams in the lead, Pharex produced the most lopsided win early this conference with an 82-62 rout of fellow newcomer ANI-FCE last Thursday.

Cobra, fresh from an 81-77 triumph over AddMix also last Thursday, will be testing Pharex’s strength.

Paul Lee showed he deserves the assistant playing coach post given to him by mentor Lawrence Chongson when he finished with 25 points. He scored 18 in the final quarter mostly on timely baskets.

Aside from Lee, Chongson also praised the combined efforts put up by Patrick Cabahug, Parri Llagas and rookie pick Jai Reyes.

Cabahug finished with 21 points while Llagas added 18 and Reyes, who led Ateneo to its second UAAP title, had a respectable debut with four points, three rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes of play.

"He's (Reyes) still adjusting to our system. But talent-wise we can compete against any team. I expect the team to struggle early but with the motivation to win and the talent of the players will help us carry out of this short tournament," said Chongson.

In the second game, Excelroof seeks to follow-up its impressive 82-72 victory over Ascof-Lagundi (formerly Pharex) when it takes on ANI-FCA.

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV