Tuesday, August 10, 2004 Sugbu 5 plays CDO in Cagayan today
AFTER taking over the leadership in the South, Tribu Sugbu will try to solidify its hold of the Southern Division when it visits the winless Cagayan de Oro Stars in the NBC National Championship 7 p.m. at the Xavier University Gym today.
Cebu took over the No.1 spot without sweat with the recent four-game slip of erstwhile leader Iloilo Warriors, but protecting the lead will be the hard part with the Stars’ recent acquisition of veteran players Randy Alcantara, Jovey Sese and Zaldy Realubit at the frontcourt. Former College of St. Benilde point-guard Elvis Tolentino was also signed up to provide maturity to Cagayan’s backcourt.
The Tribesmen beat the Stars in their last meeting on July 2, 77-61.
The Stars beat the signing deadline, midnight of last Sunday, just in time to give Tribu Sugbu, which is gearing to break away from its closest pursuer Ozamis Cotta.
However, it may be a bit easier for Cebu today with only Alcantara and Sese suiting up as Realubit and Tolentino will join the Cagayan later on its north swing next week.
Alcantara, fresh from a stint with the Fedex-RP Team in Hong Kong, will help local hotshots Julius Navales and Jayson Alfeche at the offensive end while the stocky 6-foot-5 Sese anchors the middle.
Carrying the cudgels for the Al Solis-mentored Tribu are former pros Jeffrey Sanders, Marlon Piodo, Reuben dela Rosa, ex-National University Bulldog Alfie Grijaldo and locals Ardy Larong, Ronald Bucao and Dennis Concha . RCM
(August 10, 2004 issue) Write letter to the editor.Click here. Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here.
