Games today (Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium)
4 p.m. – Paraaque vs Mindoro
6:30 p.m. – Caloocan vs Zamboanga
8:30 p.m. – Basilan vs Bulacan
Basilan Steel goes for its third consecutive win and the lead in the southern division of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Lakan Season when it faces host team Bulacan today at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in Malolos City.
The Steel, backed by Jumbo Plastic, had picked up two hard-earned wins against expansion team Bicol and Pampanga. They face another acid test in meeting the Kuyas, who had won two of their first three games.
Considered as a title contender this season following the massive acquisition of key players prior to the start of the season, Basilan had been pushed to the limit by their first two counterparts and expect another rough sailing against the Kuyas.
The Steel had been producing solid numbers from new recruits Jay Collado and Hesed Gabo, two players they picked up from the Quezon City Capitals, as well as Gab Dagangon, a talented swingman acquired from Bataan. But the team has also been getting quality numbers from holdovers Jhaps Bautista and Chris Dumapig, a consistent double-double performer.
Caloocan and Mindoro hope to make it to the win column this time as they on separate rivals.
Winless in three starts, the Supremos, backed by Victory Liner, are looking for a breakout game this season and they need to get one against a crack Zamboanga-Family’s Brand Sardines team in the 6:30 p.m. encounter.
Zamboanga had just made it to the win column just recently following their 82-69 triumph over the Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors.
Like the Supremos, the Tamaraws of Mindoro want to get to the win column right away.
In their debut game against fellow expansion team Bacolod-Master Sardines, the Tamaraws drew an explosive game from former PBA player Mac Baracael, who had a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds.
But Joseph Brutas, a shooting guard, was also a revelation, as he knocked in 21 points, including five triples and the Tamaraws will need another consistent games from these two players and plenty of help from their bench.
Tags: Basilan Steel , Jay Collado , Joseph Brutas , Mac Baracael , Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League , MPBL , PBA , Quezon City Capitals , Zamboanga
