Hobe-Taguig, Treston seek twice-to-beat

MANILA, Philippines - Hobe Bihon-Taguig City and Treston-Laguna gun for the twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinal round as they see action in the ninth and last leg of the Tournament of the Philippines beginning today at the Cong. Henry Duenas gym in Taguig City.

The host squad, with 17 points in three legs, collides with Mandaue (8 pts.) in the featured match at 2:30 p.m. while Laguna (18 pts.) takes on Agri Nurture Inc.-FCA (12 pts.) in the 12 noon opener.

Taguig City Mayor Laarni Cayetano, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Noli Eala, Philippine Basketball League (PBL) deputy commissioner Tommy Ong and Liga Pilipinas officials, led by Perry Martinez, are expected to grace the opening rites at 2 p.m.

A victory by either Laguna or Taguig in the tournament jointly organized by the PBL and Liga Pilipinas will dislodge fourth running Ascof Lagundi (26 pts.) since leg winner gets automatic 10 points plus one point for every win in the elims.

A team that sweeps the three-game elims likewise gets additional two points. The second placer receives five points with third and fourth placers earning three points and one point, respectively.

M. Lhuillier-Cebu and Misamis Oriental are already assured of 1-2 positions at the end of the nine-leg, nine-team series with 49 and 39 points, respectively, while Cobra Energy Drink (27 pts.) will have to wait for the result of the leg to determine its chance for the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters.

Equally interesting is the wild race for the last quarter berth with eighth-running Ani-FCA and No. 9 running Mandaue out to boot out seventh-running MP Gensan of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao with 14 points.

The Laguna Stallions, who last saw action in leg 3 when they won at home, will be bannered by Ricky Ricafuente, Rob Sanz, Alain Musni and Leomer Losentes while the Cultivators will lean on James Sena, Roel Hugnatan, Jofer Custodio, Boyet Bautista and Christian Luanzon.

Taguig, winner of the fifth leg, will pin its hopes on Lou Gatumbato, Eric dela Cuesta and big men Harold Sta Cruz and Ariel de Castro against the Landmasters of ex-FEU center JR Gerilla and John Villaver.