Rey Publico looks to help his alma mater squad repulse one of its NCAA rivals. PBA Media Bureau (file photo) |
By Dugout Philippines
MANILA--NCAA rivals collide on Monday when Che’Lu Bar and Grill-San Sebastian and Wang's Basketball-Letran face off in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Coming off confidence-boosting victories to start their campaign, both the Revellers and the Couriers have their eyes set on win number two in the 5 p.m. matchup.
But the mentors for the respective squads know that nabbing that second victory won’t be easy as they are still feeling their way with their new-look squads.
In the other games, Centro Escolar University takes on Marinerong Pilipino at 3 p.m. while Batangas-EAC clash with Gamboa Coffee Mix-St. Clare at 1 o’clock.
“Nanalo kami because of the skills and talent ng mga players,” admitted Che’Lu coach Stevenson Tiu after its 83-70 conquest over Perpetual last week. “Medyo mali ko rin kasi naga-adjust pa ako kaya umaasa kami purely sa talent. Pero tingin ko naman, with more familiarity, makaka-adjust din ako sa mga players ng team.”
Wangs coach Jeff Napa is equally on that same boat as he is finally seeing his grand plan for his side come to fruition.
“No matter what happens, ito ang binuo ko na team kaya ito yung sasandalan ko. Positibo ako sa potensyal ng team, pero dapat magtrabaho lang kami,” he said, fresh from the Couriers’ 93-70 thumping of AMA Online Education last Tuesday.
Che’Lu Bar and Grill-San Sebastian will lean on the leadership of Michael Calisaan, while Wangs Basketball-Letran will once again rely on veterans Bong Quinto and JP Calvo.
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