Niños beef up squad for playoff round

TO BOOST their chances for the title, the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños hired two players in the playoffs of the Tournament of the Philippines (TOP) First Leg, which will start on Aug. 11.

Cebu head coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba told Sun.Star Cebu he hired point guard Froilan Baguion and swingman Ariel Capus to beef up the team in the tough playoffs round.

“I hope they can help us and make us a stronger team in the playoffs,” Alcoseba said.

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The flashy rookie Eliud Poligrates will be released to make way for the two.

The addition of Capus and Baguion gives more depth and experience to the Niños, who are looking to win the first TOP Conference title.

After the eventful Misamis Oriental Leg, where the Niños won the championship over bitter rivals MisOr Meteors, the Cebuano squad secured the No.1 spot after accumulating a total of 49 points.

Cebu enjoys the homecourt advantage all throughout the playoffs and will play the No.8 team in the first round.

The No.8 team will be determined after the conclusion of the final leg, which will be hosted by Taguig City on Aug. 4.

Both Capus and Baguion have played in the PBA.

Capus’s last team was the Alaska Aces, while Baguion suited up for San Miguel Beermen before playing for the Philippine Patriots in the Asean Basketball League.

“I hope the Cebuanos will keep on supporting the Cebu Niños. Rest assured, we will try to keep our championship poise focused and intact for the fans,” Alcoseba said.