Games Thursday
(Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig)
11 a.m. – Wangs vs Racal
1 p.m. – CaféFrance vs JRU
Unbeaten so far in this 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, Racal seeks to fortify its stronghold of the top spot when it plays Wang’s Basketball Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Though the Tile Masters have cruised to easy wins in their first three games, coach Jerry Codiñera admits that his side needs more seasoning as they slowly adapt to the style of play in the D-League.
“Hindi pa masyadong evident yung adjustment nila sa style of play, but hopefully with these wins, makakuha kami ng idea,” he said.
But Racal faces a tough challenge against a dangerous Wang’s Basketball squad when they clash at 11 a.m., and Codiñera wants nothing from his wards but to flex their muscles on the defensive end.
“Depensa ang malaking bagay para sa amin kaya dapat aggressive lang kami,” he said.
The Tile Masters will bank on Sidney Onwubere, Kent Salado, and Rey Nambatac as they try to negate the presence of Marlon Gomez and Rey Publico for the Couriers.
In the other game, CaféFrance and Jose Rizal U part ways as they gun for a share of second spot.
Bakers coach Egay Macaraya also seeks to see his wards clamp down on defense, especially with the high-octane shooters of the Heavy Bombers.
“Kung ma-push namin yung depensa at malimit namin sila sa target namin na points, malaki ang chance namin. But we really have to defend Tey Teodoro and Paolo Pontejos because we know that they will focus on offense,” he said.