Slashers fancied vs young Eagles

They have hurdled their first test with aplomb. Now, the Negros Slashers are in for a lighter test against the Davao Eagles when the Metropolitan Basketball Association First Phase resumes today at the Rizal Memorial College Gym here.

That is, if the hometown crowd fails to rouse the Eagles to outdo themselves in the 5:30 p.m. game.

Their morale boosted by a 95-91 victory over the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems on Sunday, the Slashers are favored over the Eagles, who’ve chosen to rebuild with young and homegrown talents, in their bid to draw level with the LBC Batangas Blades at the top.

Offensively, the Slashers have the edge with former MVP John Ferriols, Johnedel Cardel and Ruben dela Rosa at the helm.

The Slashers, however, will be missing the much-improved Cid White, who was slapped a one-game suspension and P20,000 fine for a deliberate foul on Cebu’s Matt Mitchell.

Sans White, Negros Coach Robert Sison will need Ferriols to work doubly hard together with Reynel Hugnatan and Leo Bat-og.

Like Negros, Davao is also hard-pressed at the middle, with natural power forwards Ryan Bernardo and Rolly Menor to man the slot.

Coach Jun Noel will bank on returnees Bong Marata and Jomar Tierra, former Slasher Romy dela Rosa and former Cebu Gem Michael Manigo.

Cebu tries to get back on track against debuting Socsargen in the 3 p.m. opener.

The Gems, last year’s national runners-up are slight picks over the Marlins, who’ll be powered by Bong Alvarez.