Games Today (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City)
1 p.m. – Livermarin vs Cagayan-Gerry’s
3 p.m. – Tanduay Light vs Hapee Toothpaste
Though Hapee Toothpaste received a huge boost following the return of its San Beda-based players, coach Ronnie Magsanoc knows that the Fresh Fighters are not out of the woods yet.
Not by a long shot.
Still sitting in sixth place, Hapee looks to create some separation from the rest of the playoff hopefuls as it takes on seventh-running Tanduay Light today in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The core of the Red Lions immediately made an impression upon their return to the Fresh Fighters lineup when they escaped with a 75-72 overtime win over the second place CaféFrance Bakers last week.
Art de la Cruz and Nigerian center Ola Adeogun quickly made their presence felt, combining for 28 points and 20 rebounds to add ceiling and size to the Hapee frontline, something that was missing in the first five games.
That win gave Hapee an even 3-3 slate, thus the need to beat Tanduay Light in the 3 p.m. encounter.
“To put it simply it’s an answered prayer for the team. We were on the brink right now, kailangan namin humabol, we’re just trying to survive,” said Magsanoc. “We’re just thankful that they’re back. We just have to focus on what we have control of, that’s to get them together and win as many games as as we can.”