Welcoat eyes twice-to-beat advantage vs LBC today

Welcoat Paints guns for an outright twice-to-beat advantage when it meets LBC Batangas in today’s PBL Challenge Cup where action shifts back at the Pasig Sports Complex.

The Paint Masters are the hottest bunch to date, having topped the first phase of elimination with a 7-1 record and a win in the 5 p.m. match would clinch them one of the top two spots in the semifinals along with the twice-to-beat edge.

Welcoat coach Leo Austria is pinning his hopes on a talented cast led by Rommel Adducul, Eddie Laure and Marc Pingris.

But the former Shark coach cautioned that the Blades, currently tied at third place with Dazz Dishwashing Liquid with 5-4 slates, have weapons of their own with American Alex Compton on the lead.

"We know all the teams want a piece of us so I’ve warned my players that LBC will go all out against us," said Austria, whose three-year stint with Shark has earned him two titles.

Austria noted that in order to beat the Nash Racela-mentored LBC, they need to put the cuffs on Compton, who is capable of shooting the lights out with his sweet touch from the outside and his ability to penetrate.

Also on hot pursuit of a slot in the next round are ICTSI La Salle and Montana Pawnshop, which collide in the other match at 3 p.m.

On top of Group B with identical 5-4 cards, the Archers and the Jewelers are seeking a win that would give them a chance of catching the last ride into the semis.

Montana is a team known for its depth, boasting of two talented cagers in every position.