DEFENDING champion Harbour Centre tries to keep its winning
streak going when it battles Toyota Otis today even as Bacchus Energy Drink goes
for its third straight win in the PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup at the Rizal
Memorial Coliseum.
Having won their first four games, the latest an 83-72 win
over Burger King, the Batang Pier are heavily favored over the Sparks when they
clash at 4 p.m.
The Raiders are also favored over the Burger Whoppers on
account of their back-to-back wins, including a 68-61 victory over the Sparks
last Saturday.
The Batang Pier are actually gunning for their seventh
straight win, counting their two straight wins over Hapee in their finals battle
for the title last conference.
Toyota Otis has lost its first four games but Harbour Centre
coach Jorge Gallent refused to take the Sparks for granted, saying: "They might
be waiting for the right time to notch their first win and I don’t want us to be
their first victim. I have a high respect for their organization."
Some quarters are alarmed by Toyota’s four-game skid, fueling
speculations there is something wrong with the team.
Except for the acquisition of guard Japs Cuan, however,
Toyota Otis, according to its board representative, Gil Angeles, will remain
intact.
"Walang mawawala sa team, we have a strong faith in coach
Ariel (Vanguardia) and his coaching staff. Same thing with the players," said
Angeles, who denied rumors Vanguardia and some star players on the team are
having problems.
"I had a recent talk with the team, and it seems everybody is
happy. May kulang lang talaga sa team. Besides, Mr. Rey Oben (team owner) is not
one who would easily fire members of the team," explained Angeles.
The addition of Cuan, according to Angeles, is likely to give
the team a big lift since he has the experience and guile to challenge the
veteran guards of Harbour Centre.
Like the previous encounters of the two teams, fans can
expect a physical and thrilling action. Here’s one bad news for Toyota Otis,
however.
Fil-Am Solomon Mercado has switched to offensive mode after a
so-so performance in Harbour’s first three games. The Sparks must also
concentrate on Jason Castro, the most consistent Harbour Centre player so far.
Aside from Solomon and Castro, also capable of exploding for
Harbour are center Beau Belga Jeff Chan, Jonathan Fernandez and Ty Tang. Gallent
has also a solif support cast in Chad Alonzo, Jerwin Gaco, Boyet Bautista and Al
Vergara.
Expected to lead Bacchus is Christian Luanzon who sizzled for
a conference-high 32 points in their win over Toyota Otis.
Burger King will rely on Mike Bravo, Marcy Arellano, Abby Santos and Khiel
Misa in its bid to stop the winning run of Bacchus.
