Magnolia tests souped-up Toyota

Magnolia Dairy Ice Cream starts its title-retention drive today when it battles a retooled Toyota Otis-Letran squad, while Negros Navigation-San Beda is looking for a grand debut in the PBL Unity Cup at the Makati Coliseum.

The Wizards, seeking to retain the title they won over Welcoat Paints last year, are out to extend their dominance over the Knights when they clash in the main game at 4 p.m.

Clashing in the curtain-raiser at 2 p.m. are the Paint Masters and Red Lions in a game that will feature Welcoat’s awesome frontcourt firepower against Negros Navigation’s tested run and gun offense anchored on veterans Jerome Paterno and Yousif Al Jamal.

The winners in today’s matches will join Montaña Pawnshop and Granny Goose Kornets on top. The Jewels beat Harbour Centre in overtime, 81-75, while the Snackmasters proved too classy for Bacchus Energy Drink, 62-49.

The Knights, who acquired the services of 6-foot-5 Ronald Capati, shooter Emerson Oreta and the rugged Ardy Larong to beef up their already solid roster, have yet to win over the Wizards in five times they clashed since joining the country’s premier amateur league last year.

Even in today’s game, Toyota coach Louie Alas remains wary of the Wizards.