By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Tomorrow (Ynares Sports Arena)
1 p.m. – AMA vs Gamboa Coffee Mix
3 p.m. – Batangas vs Wang’s Basketball
5 p.m. – Akari-Adamson vs JRU
Cocolife guns for a quarterfinal incentive tonight against winless Smart as the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix brings its act to the Batangas Sports and Convention Center.
Game time is at at 6 p.m., with the Asset Managers (5-3) out to tighten their hold of the third spot and claim one of the remaining twice-to-beat bonuses against a Giga Hitters side determined to finally get over the hump on its ninth try.
Serbian Sara Klisura, who’s reportedly being eyed as a top candidate for naturalization for the national team, will team up with American counterpart Taylor Milton in leading Cocolife’s offensive charge while top locals Tina Salak, Mary Jean Balse-Pabayo, and star libero Denden Lazaro are expected to provide enough support.
Out to foil the Asset Managers’ lofty bid are the Giga Hitters who are expected to bank heavily on Cuban star Gyselle Silva, Serbian buddy Sonja Trivunovic and key locals Janeth Serafica, Maureen Penetrante-Ouano, Jeanie Delos Reyes and Genie Sabas.
Clashing in the 4 p.m. opener are two-time champion Foton and Generika-Ayala.
The Tornadoes (4-4), aiming for the second straight victory, are eager to keep their hold of the fourth spot and boost their own bid for a playoff bonus while the Lifesavers (2-6) are raring to come up with another confidence-booster.
Much of the spotlight, however, will be on the main match, with Cocolife coach Moro Branislav bracing himself for a possible grind-it-out encounter with Smart’s desperate unit.
“For me, Smart is a dangerous team,” he said. “Gyselle is one of the most talented imports in this conference and her team will be playing with nothing to lose. If Silva will play the way she’s playing in their last two or three matches and the locals will support her, then we’ll be in big trouble.”
The Asset Managers defeated the Giga Hitters with ease, 25-20, 25-22, 25-13, in their previous encounter. But Branislav isn’t expecting to have such easy outing this time.
