Gems out to nail 1st crown

If the Cebu Gems make their vow good, then the kingpin of the south will conquer its counterpart from the north right on its turf today to capture its first ever MBA championship.

The Gems toppled the Manila Metrostars, 93-88, in Game One of their best-of-three MBA Intracom title showdown then promised to go for the kill with or without Romel Adducul in the Manila lineup in Game Two.

Delighting their fans at the Cebu Coliseum Sunday, the Gems are hopeful they can silent the hometown crowd at the Mail & More Sports Complex this time.

Gametime is at 6 p.m.

"Manila is really a strong team. If you give then a chance to come back, talagang babalik at babalik iyan. So we have no other choice but to go for the kill now," said Cebu coach Tonichi Yturri.

Yturri stressed they are ready to face the Metrostars even with Adducul back in their lineup, saying the Gems are raring to go out and settle the score against their tormentors in last year’s national finals.

Adducul is a doubtful starter due to a sprained ankle he sustained in the series opener.

"There’s still no certainty weather Romel will play or not. But with or without him, we’ll play hard and hopefully we can give them a run for their money," said Manila coach Boysie Zamar.

"Malaking kawalan si Romel, pero siguro papahirapan pa rin namin sila kagaya doon sa Game One," Zamar added. — Joey Villar