MLSDF-Talisay takes on Indonesian cagers tonite

Cebuano hoop buffs will have a taste of international basketball action today as the MLSDF-Talisay City Aquastars will host the Panasia Garuda quintet from Indonesia at the start of the BAP-sanctioned Señor Henry Lhuillier Cup at the Talisay City Sports Complex.

The Aquastars of MLSDF executive director and head coach Eddie Ybañez will clash head-on with the visiting Indonesians in the main attraction at 9 pm, right after the Arthro Kontra Arthritis and Skygo-backed Tribu Sugbu tackles Tagaytay-Spring in a clash of National Basketball Conference (NBC) squads at 7 pm.

Although they are tipped as the title favorites, the Aquastars of the Mindanao Visayas Basketball Association (MVBA) must brace for a tough challenge against Panasia Garuda, presently the third-ranked team in the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL).

"This is the first time that we are competing abroad. We're here basically to gain experience and give our players the exposure they need for our campaign in the next season of the IBL which will start this January," said Panasia Garuda co-owner and team manager Mon Tasaribo.

Coach Boysie Zamar, the chief architect in transforming Panasian Garuda from No.9 to No.3 in the IBL, is confident his wards will give the rest of their opposition a tough challenge in the four-day tournament.

"Of course we're here to win, but my boys should work hard for it," said Zamar.

For them to blare the victory trumpet, Panasia Garuda must have to deal with Talisay's vast offensive arsenal bannered by the sharp-shooting James Laygo, Morsie Akad, Jessie Lumantas and a couples of flashy guards in the likes of Kim Calo, Kane Abatayo, and Chico Lanete.

"We don't know yet their brand of play but we're ready for whatever they will present during our game. We will give them a good and entertaining fight," said Ybañez.

Also to watch out for is the showdown between the visiting Tagaytay-Spring and Cebu's Tribu Sugbu of businessmen Jonathan Guardo and Lito Gillamac.