Batang Pier, Roadkings clash in grudge match

Harbour Centre and Toyota Balintawak clash today in a duel of last year’s title protagonists with the Batang Pier out to firm up their lead and reassert their supremacy over the Roadkings in the PBL Unity Cup at The Arena in San Juan.

Gametime is set at 12 noon with the Batang Pier going for their fifth straight win after dropping their opening day game. They grabbed the solo lead the other day at 4-1 after San Miguel-Magnolia tripped erstwhile co-leader Burger King in overtime, 95-92.

It was the Whoppers’ second straight setback after streaking to four victories while the Roadkings and Cebuana Lhuillier Pera Padala Moneymen share third place at 3-2.

Magnolia is in solo fifth at 2-3 while Sista and Dazz tote similar 1-4 cards.

In other games, Henkel Sista guns for its second straight win when it battles Magnolia at 2 p.m., while Dazz ‘Sang Patak hopes to get back on the winning track against CL Pera Padala at 4 p.m.

In the finals last year, the Batang Pier came back from a 1-2 deficit to beat the Roadkings and score a breakthrough title victory.

In their semis series in the PBL Silver Cup last February, the Batang Pier scored another come-from-behind win over the Roadkings.

"I expect another thrilling encounter with the Roadkings," said coach Jorge Gallent who is likely to pin his hopes on Jason Castro, Chico Lanete, JC Intal, Ryan Arana and Chad Alonzo.

The Super Sealers are coming off a 78-73 win over the Dazz Kitchen Specialists, a victory coach Caloy Garcia described as their springboard against Magnolia.

But against the Beverage Masters, the Super Sealers need solid performances from Khiel Misa, Fritz Bauzon, Lawrence Bonus and Noy Javier to beat the taller and more experienced Beverage Masters.

One thing going for the Beverage Masters is that they appear to be playing as one fighting unit as shown in their thrilling win over the Whoppers.

Even Magnolia coach Koy Banal is looking forward to an encore, saying: "Everybody accepted their responsibility, there’s accountability so we can move on."

Expected to carry the load for the Beverage Masters are Jeff Chan and Jonas Villanueva who combined for 34 points against the Whoppers.