MANILA, Philippines – RnW Pacific Pipes goes for a share of Group A lead while Cobra Energy Drink shoots for the solo lead in Group B when they meet separate rivals Thursday in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at The Arena in San Juan. Pacific Pipes takes on Blackwater Elite in the opener at 2 p.m. while the Ironmen battles Junior Powerade in the second game at 4 p.m.
Led by former San Sebastian guard and one-time Barako Bull cager Jim Viray and ex-PBL Most Valuable Player Vic Manuel, Pacific Pipes beat PC Gilmore, 76-72, while Paul Lee erupted for 26 points in Cobra's 78-70 mastery of Maynilad Water.
Both games were played during the opener on March 12, thus making both squads well rested heading into their respective matches.
Pacific Pipes coach Topex Robinson hopes to keep his squad upbeat with Viray, Manuel and the likes of Anthony del Rio and hustling big man Maclean Sabellina around.
But they would have to be wary of Dioceldo Sy’s Elites, who are seeking to recover from a 100-90 loss to Pharex last week. The Elites will be led by Rocky Acidre, Gio Ciriacruz and Andrian Celada.
Aside from Lee, Cobra will also need help from athletic big man Kenneth Acibar, Toto Bandaying, Paul Sanga and Mervin Baloran.
Junior Powerade seeks redemption after an 89-74 loss to FCA on March 15 led by Alvin Padilla, Mike Gamboa, James Martinez and Mark Juruena.
Jonas Terrado, Manila Bulletin
