Games Tuesday
(Marist School Gymnasium)
7 p.m. – Basilan vs Bulacan
9 p.m. – Marikina vs Pasig
Streaking Bulacan tests an improving Basilan squad even as host team Marikina looks for a follow up win against winless Pasig in today’s scheduled double header in the MPBL Datu Cup at the Marist School Gymnasium.
The Kuyas are riding on the crest of a three-game winning run and they are looking to extend their streak against the Steel which will put last season’s preseason champion in solo second place.
Currently, the Mighty Sports-backed Bulacan is locked in a four-way tie for second to fifth places overall along with Mandaluyong El Tigre, Bataan Risers and the Makati Skyscrapers, all of them carrying a 4-1 win-loss card.
But Bulacan will face a Basilan squad that has won back-to-back games. The two teams will collide at 7 p.m. right before the main encounter between the Marikina Shoemasters and the Pasig Pirates-Gameville at 9 p.m.
Head coach Brit Reroma has been getting good games lately not just from the steady JR Taganas, but also from ex-pros like Jason Melano and Jeric Cañada, two new additions of the squad this season.
Against the Steel, the Mighty Sports-backed squad will be put to another tough test as it will go up against a team that has a solid frontline led by ex-pro Dennis Daa and Macky Acosta.
While the two teams try to keep their momentum going, all eyes will be on Gerald Anderson, who will be playing for the first time in front of the hometown cheering Marikina crowd.
Anderson played in Marikina’s last game against the Quezon City Capitals-Black Mamba and although the celebrity baller failed to produce a point, the Shoemasters were able to escape with a 78-74 win.
The Shoemasters look for a fitting follow up win against the winless Pirates, who had lost their four games in this tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.
