Hot Sumos seek piece of lead versus Tigers

Manila, Philippines - Max! Bond Super Glue takes on a struggling Junior Power, seeking no less than a win and a share of the Group B lead while Pharex shoots for a share of second against RnW Pacific Pipes in a Group A match in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Marikina Sports Complex today.

The Sumos rebounded from an opening game loss to sweep their next two games, including a 77-75 squeaker over fancied Cobra Energy Drink, making them the slight favorites over the Tigers in the 4 p.m. encounter. Junior Powerade has a 1-3 card.

Cebuana Lhuillier and Cobra Energy Drink pace Group B with 3-1 records.

But Max! Bond coach Pido Jarencio said the Tigers remain a threat and shouldn’t be underestimated.

“We can’t take Powerade for granted. They have a good coach, good players and a good system,” Jarencio said.

He stressed that all teams are capable of winning at any given time and it’s just a matter of which side wants it more.

“I keep telling my players to play consistently and work hard as a team, especially on defense,” Jarencio said.

Pharex, meanwhile, tries to bounce back from disappointing back-to-back defeats as it battles RnW Pacific Pipes at 2 p.m.

The Bidang Generix (2-2), one of the early title contenders, fell to PC Gilmore, 73-77, and Blackwater, 75-86.

“I think it’s not a question of confidence right now, but a matter of chemistry. Staying together during difficult moments of the game and staying true to the ideals of our team,” said Pharex coach Gian Carlo Tan.