CafeFrance battles Tanduay
Games Today (TIP Gym, Manila)
2 p.m. – Hapee vs Cebuana Lhuillier
4 p.m. – CafeFrance vs Tanduay Light
Hapee Toothpaste clashes with Cebuana Lhuillier today without its key players in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the TIP gym in Manila.
Game time is at 2 p.m. with the Fresh Fighters hoping to keep its 4-0 win-loss record pristine despite the absence of Ola Adeogun, Baser Amer, Art dela Cruz, JP Mendoza, Ryssei Koga, and Michole Sorela.
The said six dribblers will be suiting up for their collegiate team – the San Beda Red Lions – who are playing in the finals of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League on the same day.
Hapee coach Ronnie Magsanoc is still optimistic of their chances despite a depleted lineup, knowing that Cebuana Lhuillier will take it as an advantage to improve its own 3-1 mark.
“We’ll just have to find ways to win. I know Cebuana Lhuillier is a veteran squad and they have a very good coach in Coach Boycie (Zamar),” said Magsanoc.
They’ll still be having several good players at their disposal like Bobby Ray Parks, Earl Thompson and Garvo Lanete but playing without their San Beda core will be the first big test that the Cecillo Pedro-owned franchise will have to overcome.
“Of course, yan ang core namin, yung San Beda. But we still have players who’ll be playing, we’ll just continue working hard,” he added.
With Adeogun out for the Fresh Fighters, the Gems will look to capitalize on his absence in the paint with players like Brad Guinto and Norbert Torres more than willing to wreak havoc down low.
Meanwhile, CaféFrance tries to bounce back from its heartbreaking double overtime loss to Cagayan Valley when it takes on struggling Tanduay at 4 p.m.
A win for CaféFrance would improve its 3-1 card, but Tanduay is expected to crawl out near the cellar with its 1-3 record. (Christian Jacinto)