Although they defeated Pagadian during the elimination round here, 82-80, Tribu Sugbu head coach Al Solis said they are hard-pressed in this set-up knowing that the Explorers are a tough nut to crack at home.
At fourth place overall with a 6-3 win-loss record and having a twice-to-beat advantage over the 5-4 Pagadian, coach Solis said he can only have a sigh of relief if they pull an upset over the Explorers at home.
"It is very hard to win in Pagadian, but it's not impossible," Solis said.
Should Pagadian forges a rubbermatch, the burden does not end there for Tribu Sugbu as they will travel back to Cebu where the playoff will be played at the Cebu Coliseum.
"Inig-biyahe namog pauli sa Cebu kapoy gihapon. Ang conseulo lang diha kay mo-biyahe man sad padung dire and Pagadian," added Solis.
Considering Tribu Sugbu advanced outright to the next round, still it is not time for them to celebrate because they have yet to face the top seed and back-to-back national champions Ozamiz Cotta (7-2) in a playoff to determine the top four.