Arthro/Skygo raring to defend turf in NBC; Faces San Juan and Pagadian in back-to-back home games

A well-rested Arthro/Kontra Arthritis and Skygo-backed Tribu Sugbu braces for another back-to-back home games against the Bacchus Energy Drink-San Juan and the league-leading Pagadian Explorers in the National Basketball Conference (NBC) 2006 Spring National Cup.

After saving energy for more than two weeks, Tribu Sugbu of coach Al Solis will plunge back into usual business on the hardcourt as it plays host to the visitors from San Juan on November 10 at the Danao City Sports and Civic Center.

The following day, Tribu Sugbu of businessmen Jonathan Guardo and Lito Gillamac faces an acid test against the Pagadian Explorers at the Cebu Coliseum.

Sporting an even 3-3 win-loss record, Tribu Sugbu still has to deliver its best, hoping that winning ways will continue to blossom after two straight victories at home late last month against Cellular Pawnshop-Bulacan, 89-76, and Osmeña-Cebu, 86-77.

Playing without its top pivotman Joseph Ronald Quiñahan and slippery guard Ronaldo Bucao who left for the Philippine Basketball League (PBL), Tribu Sugbu will be forced to utilize whatever resources it has left.

Thus, Tribu Sugbu hopes to squeeze good games from Mark Ababon, Joel Co, Jerome Adiane, Doroteo "Tiyoy" Almacin, Marvin Mercado, Nyok de Guzman and Randy Sevilla to bolster its winning chances. They are also lucky that Alex Cainglet decided to re-unite with his former teammates. Another recruit may soon join the Arthro-Skygo squad in either Bernie Ursal, a former Tribu Sugbu himself, or UV back-up center Eduardo Arda.

Bacchus-San Juan of coach Lawrence Chongson is a tough team to beat. Tribu's duel against Bacchus is as important as the game against Pagadian because a victory will surely boost the morale of the players.

Bacchus will parade Dodi Sta. Cruz, JR Aquino, Randy Lopez, Marlon Kalaw, RJ Masbang, Jason Alminario, JR Retaga, Tristan Codamon, Ramsy Williams and Danny Pribhdas.

A major test and headache for Tribu Sugbu will be against the Explorers of Pagadian, who are led by former pro standouts in Nelson "The Bull" Asaytono and Michael Orquillas.