Games Monday JCSGO Gym
1 p.m. – Café France vs Tanduay Light
3 p.m. – Hapee vs Jumbo Plastic
Tanduay Light’s new found chemistry will be put to test as the Rhum Masters seek a piece of the early lead in the PBA D-League Foundation’s Cup even as Hapee gets its campaign going in the season-ending tournament on Monday at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao Quezon City.
Off to an inspiring 79-61 win against Jumbo Plastic, the Rhummasters attempt to make it two in a row and join Cebuana Lhuillier and Kera Mix on top of the standings when they face the Café France Bakers at 1 p.m.
The Fresh Fighters, fresh from winning the Aspirants’ Cup, opens its bid for a championship double against the Jumbo Plastic Giants at 3 o’clock.
“We’ve spent one conference trying to improve and get-to-know each other. With an intact line-up and new found chemistry I believe we can compete against the league’s elite,” declared Tanduay Light coach Lawrence Chongson.
Roi Sumang tallied 17 points and had eight assists and Jaypee Belencion chipped in 16 with four 3-pointers as the Rhum Masters got off to a good start.
“One win doesn’t make a conference. So have to sustain our effort every game.”
Tanduay Light is expected to have a tough time, though, against the Bakers, who are out to bounce back from a frustrating loss against Cebuana Lhuillier last week to start their conference.
Café France blew a 20-point third quarter advantage and allowed the Gems to get away with a 76-75 decision.
Aspirants’ Cup champion Hapee have a lot of new faces in the team this conference but remains against Jumbo Plastic, which is trying to avoid a second straight loss.
The Fresh Fighters will be without shooter Garvo Lanete and the core of the San Beda Red Lions led by 6-9 Ola Adeogun but should still be competitive with mainstays Ray Ray Parks, Scottie Thompson, Arnold Van Opstal, Troy Rasario and Chris Newsome.
Their latest acquisition, Leo Gabo of Mapua, Mike Gamboa, Mark Lopez, Mar Villahermosa, Mark Romero and Arvie Bringas could provide instant spark off the bench.