Sparklers gun for sixth win vs ICTSI

Kutitap Toothpaste seeks to firm up its hold of solo leadership when it clashes with ICTSI-La Salle today in the 2002 PBL Chairman’s Cup at the Pasig Sports Center.

The Teeth Sparklers, fresh from a 68-60 triumph over Montana, are gunning for their sixth win over the ICTSI-Archers in the 4 p.m. encounter.

But ICTSI-La Salle, which lost 57-63 to archrival Ateneo-Hapee-Negros Navigation, might vent its ire against Kutitap.

And a loss by Kutitap Toothpaste will install Ateneo-Hapee-Negros Navigation in solo leadership if the Blue Eagles also win against John-O in the 6 p.m. match.

"Yun ang dangerous. Coming from a loss, ICTSI-La Salle will go all out to win the next game and we have to be extra ready," explained Kutitap coach Koy Banal.

"One thing, we have to check, if not stop, their gunners and at least match up their intensity," he added.

Banal knows Cyrus Baguio and Nino Gelig will be the targets of ICTSI-La Salle’s defense and he might opt to bank on Allan Salangsang, JB Sison and Mark Saguilayan to deliver the needed goods.

ICTSI Archers coach Franz Pumaren may also have some adjustments in mind should streak shooter Mike Cortez be clipped by Kutitap’s trapping defense.

James Yap may come in handy to back up Cortez along with Willy Wilson, Dominick Uy, Adonis Sta. Maria and Manny Ramos.

"Well, every other team beefed up its line-up this way that the games have become unpredictable to the last minute. But we have ready adjustments for every situation," said Pumaren.

"Moreover, the boys are raring to get back from that loss. And I’m confident that they’ll play all out," he added.

Ateneo-Hapee-Negros Navigation is still in high spirits following their victory over archrival ICTSI-La Salle and coach Joel Banal wants his wards to maintain the momentum.

"Sana nga, mag-tuloy tuloy. But John-O is one unpredictable team and we have to do something to match their speed," said Banal.

John-O wanted to prove that playing at the Pasig Sports Center is no jinx, despite losing twice at the said venue. Moreover, coach Manny Dandan sees a win over the Blue Eagles will be a good morale booster.