Engineers eye playoff bonus versus Alberei

MANILA, Philippines — Playoff-bound Technological Institute of the Philippines shoots for the quarters bonus while Marinerong Pilipino tries to formalize post-season entry when they tackle separate foes in their respective groups in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup today at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Engineers take on winless Alberei in Group B duel at 1:30 p.m. to be followed by the Skippers-Asia’s Lashes Group A face-off at 3:30 p.m.

Hyperwash, meanwhile, guns for a second straight win against McDavid-La Salle Araneta at 5:30 p.m.

Even sans Senegalese big man Papa N’Diaye, TIP subdued newcomer Black Mamba, 110-99, last week to clinch the first playoff seat in Group B with 3-1 slate.

But coach Potit de Vera wants a bigger prize for his wards as a win today against their last group play assignment Kings would give them a twice-to-beat edge in the playoffs.

“It’s going to be big for us. We want to have that momentum before going on a long break,” said De Vera even as N’Diaye remains a doubtful starter due to a hamstring injury.

On the other hand, Marinerong Pilipino automatically improved to 3-0 following the default win over Nailtalk-Savio which has withdrawn its participation from the D-League the other day. 

The Unicorns cited internal issues as the reason of their pull-out after four games, thus forfeiting their last two games.