PBL newcomer Excelroof battles veteran squad Cobra

Surprise leader Excelroof takes on Cobra Energy Drink hoping to earn its fourth straight win that would keep them on top of the standings as action resumes Thursday in the 2010 Philippine Basketball League (PBL) PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. The 25ers clash with the Ironmen in the 2 pm opener while Cossack Blue battles Ani-FCA in the 4 p.m. main game.

Excelroof and Cossack, both newcomers in the PBL wars, earned second looks from the six other participating teams in this short season-opening conference after winning their first three games. One more victory by both teams will give the 25ers and the Vodka Spirits will move them closer of earning an outright semifinals berth. The tournament will have all eight teams playing seven games in a single round robin format with the top four squads advancing in the Final Four round. The top two teams enjoy a twice-to-beat edge in the semis round. Despite their strong start, Excelroof coach Renato Agustin said that this game will truly measure the 25ers strength. “This game will determine how far we can go in this tournament," said Agustin. “Cobra is a very strong team and we will have to run our plays to perfection if we want to beat them." Excelroof is composed of players from NCAA champion San Sebastian Stags but still lack the experience that Cobra has. Paul Lee, who twice saved Cobra out of trouble, will once again join hands with Patrick Cabahug and Narciso Llagas as they try to help shore up Cobra’s bid of earning one of the two coveted twice-to-beat incentive. Aside from the Lee-Jimbo Aquino match-up, other interesting face-offs will be between Cabahug against Ronald Pascual and Llagas opposite promising center Ian Sanggalang. The 6-foot-5 Sangalang is fresh from a 13-point and 12-rebound performance in Excelroof’s 83-75 trouncing of AddMix Tuesday night. While Cobra leans on its inside-outside threat, sister team Cossack’s game is anchored on its four-guard combination composed of James Martinez, Earn Saguindel, Jorel Canizares and Raffy Reyes. Martinez has proved he is back to his old deadly form after firing 24 points in leading the Vodka Spirits to a 91-90 upset of Cobra in their last outing. Ani-FCA, however, is determined to end its three-game slide and taste its first victory in the short conference. The Agrinurture’s last loss, an 81-78 setback at the hands of fellow rookie squad Fern-C, was better compared to their first matches where they were beaten by an average of 22 points. Coach Toto Dojillo may use Ani-FCA’s height advantage against Cossack hoping to once again get solid numbers from Christian Luanzon, Jopher Custodio, James Sena, Neil Pascual and Jason Pascual. A win is important for the Agrinurture in order to remain in contention for a seat in the next round. – GMANews.TV