Rhum Masters gun for joint 2nd vs ousted Titans

MANILA, Philippines - Tanduay steps up its drive for a Top 2 finish while Marinerong Pilipino tries to sustain its late surge for a shot at the playoffs as they take on separate also-ran rivals in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig today.

At third behind top seed Flying V (8-0) and Cignal HD (7-2), the Rhum Masters hope to rack up their fourth straight victory and catch the Hawkeyes at second when they go up against the AMA Online Education Titans at 5 p.m.

Against a team which only has a win to show in eight games, Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson wants his wards to stay focused as they try to bolster their bid going to the cutthroat playoffs phase.

“I’ll take it as it is. Regardless of our position, as long as we don’t go fifth or sixth, that’s our first concern and we’ll build from there,” said Chongson.

“We just have to stay sharp and address our lapses in free throws and transition defense. We need to put emphasis on focus.”

Lester Alvarez, James Martinez and Von Tambeling are expected to lead the Rhum Masters’ charge against the Titans, who, however, are going all-out to play the spoiler’s role behind Mario Bonleon and Andre Paras.

The Skippers, on the other hand, hope to ride the crest of their recent victories as they seek to boost their quarterfinal bid against the Coffee Mix side, also toting a 1-7 slate, at 3 p.m. 

Finding itself at the bottom half of the standings, Marinerong Pilipino wheeled back into contention following a three-game run for a 4-4 slate.

“Right now, we are seeing the light at end of tunnel. We should not underestimate Gamboa and AMA (their last elims opponent). We have to respect them the way we respected other teams in the league,” said Skippers mentor Koy Banal.

Mark Isip, Achie Iñigo and Julian Sargent are tipped to deliver the goods again for Marinerong Pilipino.