Games Today (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City)
12 noon – AMA vs Zark’s Burgers
2 p.m. – Tanduay vs Marinerong Pilipino
by Jonas Terrado
Buoyed by its upset of Cignal more than a week ago, Marinerong Pilipino shoots for its second straight win when it battles Tanduay today in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Skippers look to use that 66-65 triumph to their advantage as they battle a Rhum Masters team that is playing its first match in 13 days in the 2 p.m. contest.
Coach Koy Banal’s Marinerong Pilipino squad stunned Cignal behind the heroics of John Ray Alabanza, whose two blocks in the last two possessions were enough to seal the narrow victory.
Banal hopes to get significant contributions from Alabanza, ex-pro Mark Isip, Achie Iñigo and Julian Sargent against Tanduay.
“We gave the players ample time to rest and we’re making sure that we’re well prepared for Tanduay. But again, we’re not focusing on our opponent but rather, on ourselves,” said Banal.
Tanduay is tied with Marinerong Pilipino at 1-1 after beating Centro Escolar University, 75-60, last June 6.
Rhum Masters mentor Lawrence Chongson will lean on Lester Alvarez, Jerwin Gaco and Adi Santos as they try to foil the Skippers’ bid.
Meanwhile, winless teams AMA Online Education and Zark’s Burgers meet in the 12 noon opener.
The Titans lost their first two games while the Jawbreakers are aiming to barge into the win column after three straight losses to start their maiden conference.
