MVBA shifts action to GenSan

The ML Kwarta Padala-Mindanao Visayas Basketball Association (MVBA) First Conference brings its hot action to the Tuna Capital of the World, General Santos City, for the first time as host PacMan-General Santos tests the mettle of the struggling Cagayan de Oro Rapids today at 5:30 pm at the Lagao Gym.

After splitting their first two games on the road, PacMan owned by boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao hopes to use their homecourt advantage to the hilt to move up in the standings and catch up with the league front-runner Iligan City (3-0) and Montana Pawnshop-Davao (2-2).

PacMan of head coach Nonoy Pido derive their strength from the productive guard trio of Dondon Tadena (16.0 ppg), Louie Medalla (12.0 ppg) and Apol Coronado (11.0 ppg) and the sweet-shooting center Norberto Farochillen (14.5 PPG).

On the other hand, the Rapids of Mayor Vicente "Dongkoy" Y. Emano are still winless in two starts and must work extra hard as they try to overcome their foes and the expected big partisan crowd.

Coach Boy Dacoco has seen pleasant games from sentinels Jong Rebuya (21.0 ppg) and Abe Galinato (17.5 ppg) and bruisers Gabriel Maloloy-on (13.5 PPG) and Cesar Estolano (11.5 PPG).

Team PacMan has a bigger task on Friday as they play host to the undefeated Iligan City at 5:30 pm also at the Lagao Gym.

Hostilities in the five-team Visayas Division will commence on March 25 with a double-header hosted by the Toledo Landmasters of businessman/realtor Joe Soberano at the city's Barba Sports Complez.

The rest of the Visayas Division is made up of M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu City Jewelers of jewelry magnate and sportsman Michel Lhuillier, Matawi Traders of Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Z. Ouano, Toyota-Iloilo and the newly-crowned National Students champion West Negros College-Bacolod.