By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Today
(Batangas City Coliseum)
7 p.m. – Bataan vs Muntinlupa
9 p.m. – Caloocan vs Batangas City
Host Batangas City intends to come up with a strong finish while visiting Caloocan tries to keep its playoff hopes as they collide tonight in the 2018 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Anta Rajah Cup at the Batangas City Coliseum.
Tip off time is at 9 p.m., with the Athletics, already assured of the home court advantage throughout the playoffs, aching to cap their impressive elimination round showing on a strong note while giving the Supremos the boot.
Caloocan, with only a win to show after its first eight matches, is hard-pressed to score another win while hoping that Bataan (2-5) and Imus (2-6) won’t get the job done in their remaining assignments in the eliminations.
The Defenders could even put an end to the collective hopes of the Supremos and the Bandera earlier than they can expect if and when they take care of their business against the Muntinlupa Cagers in the 7 p.m. opener.
While Caloocan is on the brink of elimination, Batangas City is determined to gain more confidence and momentum ahead of the bigger battles, something that coach Mac Tan is egging his wards to do.
“I just told the boys, we’re beatable. If you don’t play hard, you don’t give your 100-percent, anything could happen, just like our loss against Bulacan,” he said, referring to the Athletics’ stunning 80-72 setback to the Kuyas last March 3.
Expected to lead the way for Batangas City are former pros Val Acuña, Lester Alvarez and big man Jhaymo Eguilos as well as Letran ace forward Bong Quinto and former Jose Rizal University hotshot Teytey Teodoro.
Meanwhile, the Cagers are also eager to gain more ground for playoff positioning as they try to jack up their current 4-3 mark and force a four-way tie at second spot alongside the Kuyas, Valenzuela Classic and Quezon City Capitals.