Games Today (Mall of Asia Arena)
4 p.m. – F2 Logistics vs Petron
6 p.m. – Awarding Ceremonies
Petron and F2 Logistics clash in a sudden death for the 2017 Chooks-to-Go Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix crown today with the former determined to end the year in a blaze of glory while latter is out to claim the elusive title at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Momentum should be on the side of the Cargo Movers going to the 4 p.m. battle after pulling off a dramatic 25-20, 24-26, 14-25, 25-19, 15-4 win in Game 2 last Thursday night, putting the Blaze Spikers’ party on hold.
F2 Logistics, built around the core of reigning two-time UAAP champion La Salle, is hoping it still has another ace up on its sleeve as the Cargo Movers intend to become the first PSL champion to overcome a 0-1 finals series deficit.
“If you look at it, you may think that it’s already over. But my team refused to quit. We managed to stay close in the fourth set to gain momentum in the fifth set,” said F2 Logistics coach Ramil de Jesus.
“I think we already have the momentum. But it’s going to be an intense battle.”
And rightfully so. Petron, the reigning all-Filipino titleholder, is expected to come out firing on all cylinders as the Blaze Spikers try to clinch the coveted title they last hoisted back in 2014.
Although they blew a golden chance that could break the Blaze Spikers’ collective spirit, Petron coach Shaq Delos Santos is confident his wards can regather their acts together and get the job done this time around.
“Kayang-kaya naming i-overcome ito,” he said. “Honestly, may part na ganun, nag-relax nang maaga. Pero kailangan naming i-accept na ganun ang nangyari para mas pagbutihin pa namin.”
Touted American imports Lindsay Stalzer and Hillary Hurley, who combined for 40 points the last time out, remain as Petron’s main source of offensive production.
But their local teammates, led by Mika Reyes, Remy Palma, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and skipper Ces Molina, should step up in terms of employing a more solid defense which was in full display during their straight-sets victory in the series opener.
