ICTSI-La Salle guns for q’final seat

Frontrunning ICTSI-La Salle guns for an outright entry into the quarterfinals as it clashes with defending champion Shark Energy Drink today in the PBL Challenge Cup at the Makati Coliseum.

The Archers, toting a 7-2 slate, tackle the Power Boosters at 3:30 p.m., hoping to avenge their 58-64 loss last Dec. 4 and firm up their hold of the lead heading into the crucial phase of the elims.

"We’re able to get this far because we are playing as a team," said ICTSI-La Salle coach Franz Pumaren. "Now if we can just continue to play with the same cohesion then we can beat Shark."

But while the Archers are coming off two straight wins, the Power Boosters are reeling from back-to-back setbacks, including a 65-79 loss to Welcoat Paint Masters last Tuesday.

"In our two losses, we just lost our focus," said Shark mentor Leo Austria. "But we’ll try to get back strong in our next game since the automatic slots in the next round are at stake here."

Meanwhile, Blu Detergents, bunched at second spot with sister team Shark and Welcoat Paints with identical 6-4 records, takes on cellar-dweller Montana Pawnshop at 5:30 p.m.

The Detergent Kings failed to seize solo second place after bowing to the Ana Freezer Makers (83-96) Tuesday while the Jewellers are trying to score back-to-back wins after beating the Kutitap Teeth Sparklers (79-76). – Joey Villar