MANILA, Philippines – Halos isang taon ang hinintay ng Bataan para muling makasagupa ang Manila na siyang nagpalasap ng una nilang kabiguan sa 2018-19 MPBL Datu Cup.
Magsasagupa ang dalawang powerhouse squads sa pagsisimula ng kanilang Northern Division best-of-three semifinals series sa People’s Center sa Bala-nga, Bataan.
Haharapin ng Risers ang Stars ngayong alas-9 ng gabi matapos ang bakbakan ng San Juan Knights at Quezon City Capitals sa alas-7.
“The real playoffs begins for us this time,” wika ni Bataan head coach Jojo Lastimosa na naalala ang paggupo sa kanila ng Manila. “There were a lot of changes happened. This is a different Bataan team and they’re also a different Manila team. Both teams have become better as the tournament progresses. This will be our biggest test in the tournament.”
Muling ipaparada ng Risers sina point guard Pamboy Raymundo, Gary David, Gab Dagangon, Alfred Batino at Vince Tolentino kasama sina reserves Byron Villarias, prized acquisition Yvan Ludovice, Richard Escoto, Bernie Bregondo, Rob Celiz, Achie Iñigo at homegrown Gio Espuelas.
Itatapat naman ng Stars sina Chris Bitoon, Aris Dionisio, ex-pros Roger Yap, Riel Cervantes, Marvin Hayes at Marcy Arellano, frontliners Mark Cruz at McLean Sabellina, Mac Montilla at Drian Celada.