RP Team tests Toyota resolve

Malaya
October 30, 2007

Toyota Balintawak goes for its third straight win when it battles the national team today in one of two matches that will mark the 2008 PBL V-Go Extreme Energy Drink’s return to its birthplace, the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The match is set at 4 p.m., with the Roadkings expected to encounter stiff opposition from the SEA Games-bound that has bounced back from an opening-day setback to Harbour Centre.

Clashing in the other game at 2 o’clock are the Batang Pier and Bacchus Energy Drink, with Harbour players TY Tang and Rico Maierhofer of La Salle renewing their rivalry with and University of the East’s James Martinez, Hans Thiele and Mark Fampulme.

The 5-foot-7 Tang made a grand debut for Harbour Centre, scoring a career-high 26 points, including back-to-back triples in the payoff period, to help the Batang Pier beat the Philippine team 83-74.

Bacchus has dropped its first two games and is in the cellar with Mail And More and Pharex.

Commissioner Chino Trinidad said the stadium was refurbished last week to make it more attractive and playable.

"The league has an agreement with the Philippine Sports Commission that we’ll help maintain the stadium not only for the league but also for some national sports association that wish to play there," said Trinidad. "This is the birthplace of the league so we have to help restore its image in our own little way."

For the Roadkings, their showdown with the Nationals will be their biggest test so far in the season-opening tournament. They beat Bacchus and Pharex in their first two games.

After being jolted by the Batang Pier, the Nationals are slowly playing like one big unit, with everybody getting involved in offense and defense.

"The boys have realized that in the RP team they are role players and not stars. For us to succeed, they have to do their respective roles," said coach Junel Baculi.