Ferriols to boost Dazz versus LBC

Dazz Dishwashing Liquid hopes to get a boost from one of its two late acquisitions as it seeks for a semifinal berth against LBC Batangas today in a crucial PBL Challenge Cup out-of-town sortie in Lipa City, Batangas.

John Ferriols, maiden season MVP of the defunct MBA, is expected to suit up for the Grease Busters at 4 p.m. against the Blades in the league’s third visit at the Lipa Sports Cultural Center, hoping to join Welcoat Paints and Blu All Purpose in the semis.

Dazz has also enlisted Enrico Villanueva recently but the former Ateneo standout is reportedly set to arrive today from the United States and may just join in Dazz’ team practice tomorrow.

"We expect John (Ferriols) to provide leadership and muscle in the shaded area," said Dazz coach Junel Baculi, who once coached Ferriols in his brief stint with the Negros Slashers four years back.

"As for Rico (Villanueva), we expect him to arrive tomorrow (today) and hopefully play for us against LBC in Lipa. If he can’t play, we expect him to join team practice on Sunday," he added.

Currently at third spot with a 5-4 card behind the Paint Masters (8-1) and the Detergent Kings (7-3), the Grease Busters aim to get the most out of Ferriols, who is back since playing for Casino Alcohol six years back.

Expected to be one of the top rookie prospects in the PBA draft on Jan. 12, Ferriols joins Cyrus Baguio, Jun Peter Simon, Allan Salangsang, Mark Saquilayan and Francis Mercado in Dazz’s bid for a first title since1996.

Montana Pawnshop, at second behind Group B leader ICTSI La Salle (6-4) with a 5-5 slate, on the other hand, hopes to enhance its flickering semis bid with a victory over an eliminated Sunkist (2-8) at 2 p.m.

But it will not be a walk in the park for the Grease Busters as the Blades are also hardpressed for a win.

"We’re not out of the woods yet. We need this win badly so expect us to go all out against them (Dazz)," said LBC mentor Nash Racela.

Tournament format states that the top three teams in Group A after the second phase qualify for the crossover semis with the best two gaining a twice-to-beat advantage.

The fourth place squad then plays the top ballclub in Group B in a knockout duel for the right to meet the elims topnotcher in the semis. No. 2 and 3 teams clash in the other Final 4 pairing.

Racela is expected to rely heavily on American Alex Compton, who can burn the opposition with his outside shooting and his ability to set up his teammates.

Compton is expected to get help from Ralph Rivera and Jason Cuevas, his LBC teammates in the MBA, and collegiate standouts Al Magpayo and Ronald Capati of St. Benilde, Froilan Baguion of NU, Nicole Uy and Paul Reguerra of reigning NCAA titlist San Sebastian and former PBL slam dunk king MC Caceres.