TANDUAY and AMA University attempt to get back on the winning track when they face each other on Monday in the Philippine Basketball Association D-League Foundation’s Cup at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
The Rhum Masters, who are coming off a 62-68 lost against CaféFrance last week, will have their hands full again in their 11 o’clock encounter against the Titans.
Aspirants Cup champion Hapee also tries to bounce back when it battles struggling newcomer ATC Liver Marin in the other game at 1 o’clock. The Fresh Fighters lost their opener, 61-64, against Jumbo Plastic also last week.
Jay-R Taganas, who grabbed a record 29 rebounds in AMA’s 70-75 loss to Cagayan Valley, is expected to once again provide the energy for the Titans.
“Jay-R is a certified workhorse. He may not draw much attention but he’s the most consistent player on the team. Just look at his stats line,” AMA Coach Mark Herrera said.
AMA is also counting on the leadership of Marcy Arellano, who tallied 25 points against the Rising Suns.
The Tanduay Light-AMA University matchup is just even in terms of bench depth. It all boils down to execution and defensive hassle.
Mariano scored 22 points against the Bakers but he was the only Rhum Master in double figures largely because the team didn’t get everybody involved. Tanduay Light managed just nine assists against CaféFrance.