.
Bacchus eyes share of lead
(November 13, 2008)

Games Today
(Arellano gym, Manila)
2 p.m. – Magnolia vs Pharex
4 p.m. – Burger King vs Bacchus

Two more teams take the spotlight today as Magnolia Purewater and Burger King open their title campaign against equally dangerous rivals in the 2009 PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup at the Arellano University gym in Legarda, Manila.

The Magnolia Wizards take on the Pharex Generix at 2 p.m. while the Burger King Whoppers collide with the Bacchus Energy Warriors at 4 p.m.

Bannered this time by four players from University of Santo Tomas led by the prolific forward Dylan Ababou, the Wizards are hoping to start their season on a high note.

The 6-foot-3 Ababou will be Magnolia’s go-to-guy this time following the departure of Bonbon Custodio to the pro league.

Playing under the huge shadows of popular teammates before – he played for two conferences with the star-studded Harbour Centre – Ababou hopes to get the needed attention he deserves with his all-around game.

Ababou, who was also the sidekick of Jervy Cruz when the UST Tigers stunned Ateneo in the UAAP Finals two years ago, is both deadly from outside and inside the shade lane.

Aside from Ababou, coach Koy Banal can also count on Spartacus Rodriguez, Chester Taylor, Khazim Mirza, Neil Raneses and Al Magpayo. Banal can also get quality minutes from his own son – Jonathan – who is one of the rising stars of Mapua in the NCAA.

But they can’t take the Generix lightly since the Jappy Pascual-owned squad is out to bounce back from a crushing 66-83 defeat to Harbour in the opener last Saturday.

The BK-Bacchus showdown is also a must-see.

The BK Whoppers will parade the core of NCAA champion San Beda in a bid to reach the Promised Land this time around.

King Lion Ogie Menor and San Beda teammates Jake Pascual, JR Taganas, Borgie Hermida and Dave Mercelo will join forces with University of the East’s Marcy Arellano and San Sebastian’s Jason Ballesteros.

But the BK Whoppers must be wary of the Bacchus Warriors who registered the tournament’s first upset with an 88-84 win over Hapee Toothpaste, the runner-up in the last two conferences.

Interestingly, Bacchus’ offense is anchored on UE players like rookies Paul Lee and Val Acuña and veterans Parri Llgas, Hans Thiele and James Martinez.

But the Arellano fans are expected to root for Bacchus since their star player – Orlando Daroya – is playing for the energy drink squad.

The 6-foot-3 Daroya came off the bench to score eight points on an impressive 2-of-3 shooting from the 3-point area. He also had two assists and a rebound in superb debut.

His match-up with Menor is expected to provide the other highlight of the game.

Back to top