New-look Marlins up versus Knights

With the resurgence of Bong Alvarez and the addition of new talents, Socsargen-Taguig could well give reigning national champion Andok’s San Juan a stiff challenge as they clash in the 2001 MBA season second phase at the San Juan gym today.

Alvarez is coming off a 42-point outing in their 106-92 rout of Nueva Ecija Friday and the 6-foot-1 former PBA star, now backstopped by new Socsargen-Taguig recruits Whitey Almonte, Rolly Lumantas, Arnold Rodriguez and Ariel Tizon, is likely to ride a new wave of confidence as they take on the Knights at 5:30 p.m.

New Socsargen-Taguig coach Francis Rodriguez, who took over from Boycie Zamar and effected the overhaul in the team lineup, is optimistic his wards have the talent and the heart to pull off an upset of San Juan.

"Malakas talaga ang San Juan pero hindi ibig sabihin na papatalo na lang kami basta-basta. Ngayong unti-unti nang nagkakaroon ng pag-asa ang team ko, lumalaki na rin ang tsansa namin," said Rodriguez. — Joey Villar