The most challenging match-up for Cobra Energy in the PBA D-League
Foundation Cup will also be a test to its character.
The Ironmen faces the Pharex Bidang Generix in the first round of the
knockout playoffs on Tuesday that marks the first meeting between the
two teams.
The winner of the 4 p.m. encounter at the Arena in San Juan will
advance to the quarterfinals against the PC Gilmore Wizards.
“It will be our toughest match in the tournament. It’s either we win
or we go home,” said Cobra Energy Drink coach Lawrence Chongson.
The Ironmen lost their final game in the classification round – a
70-73 decision – against Group B top-seed Cebuana Lhuillier two weeks
ago in the process, blowing their chance for an outright entry in the
quarterfinals.
Whether they could rebound from that setback to get going rests on how
the Ironmen would handle the Bidang Generix.
“Obviously, the character of our team will be put to test,” Chongson said.
The Bidang Generix are facing an even more challenging situation,
having lost their last four games. Motivating them could be very tough
for Pharex coach Gian Carlo Tan.
“I’m just hoping the work we’ve done over the last few weeks will show
against a team that is ultra dangerous with one of the game’s best
amateur player in Paul Lee,” Tan said.
While he has suggested that Lee, the Cobra Energy Drink superstar
guard, would be a marked man, Tan emphasize they can’t put their
entire focus on him.
“Cobra has plenty of capable scorers. Our defense has to be alert and
be extra determined with coming up with stops,” Tan said.
The other playoff game at 2 o’clock features RnW Pacific Pipes and FCA.
“It’s a make or break for both of us. So we are expecting a pressure
packed game,” said RnW Pacific Pipes coach Topex Robinson.
Robinson said closing their classification round assignment on a
winning note gave his troops the confidence boost they need in the
playoffs.
In contrast, the Cultivators have lost their last game in the
classification round against Max! Bond Super Glue. PR
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