It's not that easy to pick a favorite in the 2019 D-League Foundation Cup best-of-three finals between a well-rested Marinerong Pilipino and surging BRT Sumisip-St. Clare.
Even representatives from both teams are trying to downplay their respective chances in the title series that begins tomorrow at the Ynares Center in Pasig City.
“Marinero has a deeper bench. But since Day 1 our vision and goal is to win the title,” said BRT assistant coach Jerson Cabiltes during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Amelie Hotel Manila
BRT team manager Jackson Chua likened Marinero, which swept Technological Institute of the Philippines in their best-of-three semis and has yet to lose a game in this short tournament, to an “all-star lineup.”
Marinero assistant coaches Jonathan Banal and Tatti Chua also graced the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Braska Restaurant, Amelie Hotel, and Pagcor.
“This is our first time in the D-League finals,” said Banal, who brushed aside a suggestion that they should be the favorites in the title series.
“Not necessarily. We just have to play our game the right way. Malakas ang kalaban. They have young players and veterans, too,” he said.
Game 2 of the finals will be played on Oct. 9 at the Cuneta Astrodome, and if necessary, a third game will be staged Oct. 14 at the Paco Arena.
Tournament director Mauro Bengua promised “a great matchup” during the weekly forum.
D-League consultant Joey Guiao, on his part, said it’s a tall order for BRT because Marinero “is a team that doesn’t stop whether it’s leading or trailing.”
But the former PBA player and ex-UP Maroon said BRT, which needed three games to beat Centro Escolar U in the semis, can win it all if “it can show composure in the endgame.”