Games today:
USJ-R Gym
7 p.m. – Basilan vs. Zamboanga
9 p.m. – Cebu City vs. Makati
THE CEBU City Sharks-Casino Ethyl Alcohol seek a victorious homecoming today when they play host to the Makati Skyscrapers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at the University of San Jose-Recoletos gym.
Game time is at 9 p.m. following the match between the Basilan Steel and Zamboanga Valientes at 7 p.m.
The Sharks have played like minnows in their inaugural dive in this league founded by boxing superstar, Manny Pacquiao. Sporting a 1-8 (win-loss) record, Cebu City uncharacteristically holds the second worst record in the league.
However, the change in scenery, which will feature a crowd filled with familiar faces offering nothing but support and adulation, is expected to inject a jolt of energy to the Sharks as they look to turn their season around.
Patrick Jan Cabahug, the team’s leading scorer, is banking on the team playing with a lot of pride to overcome a Makati squad that is up there in the North Division with a 6-3 card. The Skyscrapers are being led by ex-pros Rudy Lingganay, Jeckster Apinan and Mark Isip.
“As I told my teammates, we have to play with pride for us to win this game,” said the former University of the Visayas Baby Lancer, who added that having their families watching in the crowd will give them the boost they need.
“It feels great because we need it so much, the support of the Cebuanos. Then our families are watching the game so it’s a big change for the team,” Cabahug added.
Sharks head coach Titing Manalili said that he is hoping that the Cebuanos will come out, head to the venue and support the team as this will become their weapon against the Makati team. Jonas Panerio