PBA DL: TIP aims for bonus against Alberei
Games Monday (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig)
1:30 p.m. – TIP vs Alberei
3:30 p.m. – Asia’s Lashes vs Marinerong Pilipino
5:30 p.m. – McDavid-La Salle Araneta vs Hyperwash
Technological Institute of the Philippines tries to lock up a top two spot in Group B when they face cellar-dweller Alberei on Monday in the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
At 4-1, the Engineers will be the first to wrap up their eliminations schedule and there’s really nothing else they’d like to do than secure a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the quarterfinals.
“It’s going to be big for us,” admitted coach Potit de Vera, with his side looking at ending the preliminaries on a three-game win streak, with their last being a 110-99 win over Black Mamba.
“We want to have that momentum before going on a long break.”
TIP, however, might still miss the services of Senegalese big man Papa Ndiaye who is recovering from a hamstring injury.
That puts the responsibility on the shoulders of Russel Tan, Bryan Santos, and GC Carurucan to end the eliminations on a flurry in the 1:30 p.m. kickoff.
Marinerong Pilipino is also looking to lock up a playoff spot at 3:30 p.m. when it takes on Asia’s Lashes Tomas Morato (2-1).
The Skippers benefitted from the sudden withdrawal of Nailtalk-St. Dominic Savio as they now hold a 3-0 card in Group A, putting them a win closer of punching a ticket to the next round.
Adding to that has been the stellar play of veterans Eloy Poligrates and JR Alabanza, with them, together with young forward Jhonard Clarito, helping Marinerong Pilipino snag the 91-82 win over AMA last August 8.
Coach Yong Garcia, however, refused to rest on his laurels as he acknowledges that the tougher wars are still ahead.
“Marami pa kaming dapat ayusin dahil yung chemistry talaga ang key para sa amin,” he said.
Hyperwash (1-2) caps off the triple-header when it shoots for back-to-back wins against McDavid-La Salle Araneta (0-2) at 5:30 p.m.
