Pharex B-Complex and Excelroof took the first two semis berths in the season-opening tournament with identical 5-1 slates with the winner in the 2 p.m. encounter gaining the No. 1 seat in the semis for the twice-to-beat edge.
Ascof Lagundi, meanwhile, battles Ani-FCA at 4 p.m. with the Cough Busters out to close out their elimination campaign on a 4-3 card.
The Cough Busters need to beat the Cultivators to stay in the semis hunt. Cossack Blue and Cobra Energy Drink are the two other semifinal contenders with 4-2 marks.
The Cultivators almost nailed their first win in six games last Saturday but lost steam in overtime and dropped a sorry 85-87 decision to Cobra.
“It’s going to be an interesting one,” said Excelroof coach Ato Agustin. “This is a good match up.”
The 25ers are coming off an 89-82 win over Cossack Blue – their third in a row.
Like Excelroof, Pharex B-Complex is also on a roll.
Built around the core of University of the Philippines squad, Pharex B-Complex hopes to extend its winning streak to five, but coach Aboy Castro is wary of their chances against the 25ers.
For one, the Fighting Maroons must find ways on how to neutralize Excelroof’s Big Four – Jimbo Aquino, Calvin Abueva, Pamboy Raymundo and 18-year-old 6-foot-6 Ian Sangalang.
Agustin can also count on the services of veteran forward Chester Taylor and Gilbert Bulawan but must stop Pharex’s Vic Manuel.
“He’s deadly and very agile. So we have to focus on him,” said Agustin.
Aside from the 6-foot-4 Manuel, Castro can also bank on veteran Woody Co, Ford Arao, JR Tecson, Arvie Braganza and Marlon Adolfo.
Source: Author Unknown | Philstar.com
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