Toughened Tams ready for Sparklers

Viva-FEU is expected to return to action in the PBL Unity Cup with a bang after a triumphant stint in an invitational tournament abroad.

With the rich experience they’ve gained playing Korean, Japanese and local rivals in Guam, the Tamaraws could well put up a good game against the reigning champions Hapee Toothpaste Sparklers at the UST gym tomorrow.

"It will definitely help," said Viva-FEU coach Koy Banal of their Guam stint where they beat Japan’s Daito Banka University, Korea University and University of Guam for the championship.

"We’ve learned a lot from that tournament and we hope to use it when we resume our campaign in the PBL," he added.

Banal along with Viva-FEU stalwarts Dennis Miranda, Gerard Jones, Mark Isip, Cesar Catli, RJ Rizada, Arwind Santos and Don Yabut arrived Monday night in time for their next PBL match.

They will rejoin Water Force teammates Warren Ybanez, Jason Misolas, Joel Co and exciting Cebuano rookie Neil Raneses in their bid for a title rematch with the Teeth Sparklers.

To-date, the Water Force are one of the two squads already assured of outright semifinal berth, the other being the Welcoat Paint Masters with a 6-3 win-loss slate. Viva-FEU sports a 7-1 card.

Banal said his team’s immediate goal is to beat Hapee, currently tied with Sunkist-UST at No. 3 spot on 4-4 records, then avenge their only loss to Welcoat in their last elimination round outing next week.

"It’s going to be tough but our aim now is to beat Hapee and Welcoat because every win counts with this kind of format," explained Banal, referring to the carryover rule in the semis.

Both Viva-FEU and Welcoat await the other two semifinalists, still being contested by Hapee, Sunkist-UST, Montana Pawnshop (4-5), Blustar Detergent (3-5), Lee Pipes-Ateneo (3-6) and Toyota Otis-Letran (3-6).

The quarterfinal round will pit the No. 3 and No. 4 teams against the No. 6 and No. 5 squads, respectively, with the first two gaining a twice-to-beat advantage and the winners advancing to the double-round robin semis.