Marinerong Pilipino targets a top two spot in Group A when it meets iWalk today, Monday in the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The unbeaten Skippers can annex their winning run to five and claim twice-to-beat advantages in the quarterfinals if they hurdle the Chargers in this 3:30 p.m. clash.
And coach Yong Garcia knows it.
“Ang sabi ko nga, mate-test ang team namin. Sa next round, talagang malalakas na yung team namin kaya magandang chance ito sa amin na makaharap ng mga beteranong team,” he said.
Eloy Poligrates has been the shining light for Marinerong Pilipino in this 4-0 run, as seen in its 73-51 victory over Asia’s Lashes last week.
He’ll also have JR Alabanza and Jhonard Clarito by his side in this quest to assure the Skippers of an edge come playoff time.
It won’t be a walk in the park, though, with the Chargers also looking to boost their playoff hopes as they currently sit with a 2-2 card.
BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare also shoots for a playoff spot when it returns to action against winless McDavid-La Salle Araneta at 1:30 p.m.
The Saints are coming off a 20-day break, with their last game being an 85-70 whipping of TIP back in August 5.
And for coach Stevenson Tiu, with all due respect to his foes, he doesn’t feel like BRT Sumisip-St. Clare has been really tested yet through his side’s first three games.
“Hindi kami ma-push to the limit, kung hanggang saan ang team namin,” he said, with the Saints’ average winning margin being 35.0 points. “Gusto din sana namin makakuha ng close games habang nasa eliminations para makuha din namin jelling.”
Asia’s Lashes Tomas Morato (2-2) caps off the busy game day at 5:30 p.m. as it eyes to boost its playoff hopes when it collides with Hazchem (1-2).