Cobra Energy faces Pharex on Tuesday

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

Pharex tests mettle of PC Gilmore on Tuesday

PBA D-League Foundation Cup
Team Standings

Group A

                                           W     L
Pharex                                   2      0
NLEX                                   2      1
PC Gilmore                           1      1
RnW Pacific Pipes                1      2
Black Water                          1      1
Freego Jeans                         0      2


Group B
                                            W     L

Cobra Energy Drink              2      0
Cebuana Lhuillier                  2      0
FCA                                       1      1
Maynilad                                1      1
Max! Bond Super Glue          1      1
Junior Powerade                     0      2
Café France                            0      2

Games Tuesday
(Lyceum gym)
2 p.m. – Café France vs Maynilad
4 p.m. – Pharex vs PC Gilmore



Execution will be the key when Pharex test the mettle of PC Gilmore on
Tuesday in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup.

That’s the contention of  Pharex coach Gian Carlo Tan as the Bidang
Generix, two weeks rested since toppling NLEX, 79-74, on March 22, aim
to extend their winning streak to three games and keep their unbeaten
record in Group A .

Pharex’s two victories were decided down the wire and Tan anticipates
that their scheduled 4 p.m. duel at the Lyceum University gym against
PC Gilmore would be just as close.

In the other game, Maynilad also attempts for a second straight win in
its 2 p.m. showdown against Café France (0-2) in Group B.

“PC Gilmore presents a unique challenge. They play multiple defenses
and force you to find the openings,” Tan noted of their opponent’s
threat.

PC Gilmore lost their kick-off game against RnW Pacific Pipes, 72-76,
but bounced back with an 81-72 victory against Freego Jeans last
Tuesday largely on guard Carlo Lastomosa’s last minute heroics.

 “We need to contain their guards and not forget to pay attention to
their post,” Tan said.

He said every possession is crucial against PC Gilmore so he urges his
team to be disciplined in their execution.  “To beat them, we need to
execute our style of play,” Tan said. PR

Early showdown pits two title contenders

Games on March 22, Tuesday
      (FEU gym)

2 p.m. – Max Bond Super Glue vs. Maynilad
4 p.m. – NLEX vs. Pharex

AN early showdown pitting two title contender highlights Tuesday's
doubleheader of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the FEU gym in
Morayta.

On the day Max! Bond Super Glue makes it debut, all eyes will be on the
potentially explosive encounter between the NLEX Road Warriors and the
Pharex Batang Generix set at 4 p.m.

The match features two of the pre-season favorites for the inaugural
championship of the fledgling league and two of the three teams
currently on top of Group A.

Behind the combined 34 points of San Sebastian stalwart Calvin Abueva
and free agent Ogie Menor, the Road Warriors flattened Freego Jeans in
its opening match, 82-71.

Not to be outdone, the Batang Generix were equally impressive in a
100-90 demolition of Black Water as Marlon Adolfo exploded for 25
points and Jayson Deutchman posted double-double figures of 16 markers
and 10 rebounds.

As if that’s not enough, Pharex coach Gian Carlo Tan admitted the team
has yet to play as one cohesive unit.

“The team has not really experienced a time to bond and know each
other. Good thing our defense hold and enable us to win. I hope we
jell sooner than later,” Tan said.

Coach Pido Jarencio and his Sumos are the last ones to see action for
the first time, opening their campaign with a 2 p.m. match up with the
Maynilad Water Dragons in a meeting between teams from Group B.

Jarencio will be banking on a core of young and veteran players that
included Santiago Cabatu, Roel Hugnatan, Rudy Lingganay, Reil
Cervantes, Mark Benitez and his own players from Santo Tomas, Jeric
Teng and Jeric Fortuna.

The Water Dragons, powered by the roster of reigning NCAA seniors cage
champion San Beda, fell to the Cobra Ironmen in their debut, 78-70.

These games will be aired right after on delayed telecast at 6:00pm over IBC-13.(pr)