By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Today
(Ynares Sports Arena)
1 p.m. – CEU vs Che’Lu Bar and Grill
3 p.m. – Go for Gold vs AMA Online
Go for Gold guns for the solo lead while veteran mentor Derrick “Manong” Pumaren makes his coaching comeback with Centro Escolar University as the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup action resumes today at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Scratchers, fresh from an 88-75 victory over Batangas-Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals in the opener last Monday, hope to make it two in a row as they collide with the AMA Online Education Titans in the main match set at 3 p.m.
Go for Gold coach Charles Tiu, however, admitted it’s easier said than done since the Scratchers, despite fielding one of the most talented lineups, have yet to find the synergy that he wants to see.
“We have not been complete yet in our practices but we just have to overcome that,” said the younger brother of Rain or Shine guard Chris Tiu. “It’s a given that the team has the talent, but what we need is more practice time to get familiarize with one other. That’s the challenge for us—to play the proper way.”
Meanwhile, the Scorpions are determined to open a new chapter in the best possible way, with Pumaren serving as their acting coach following the sudden resignation of former tactician Yong Garcia last Friday.
CEU, playing without prized Congolese center Rod Ebondo who has already graduated, is in for a tough grind in its 1 p.m. encounter with Che’Lu Bar and Grill, which is eager to make up for lost ground after a bridesmaid finish in the Aspirants Cup.
