MINDANAO, powered by Davao Jones Academy (DJA) of Davao City, arranged a titular showdown with Bulacan Team of Luzon 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 30, in the ongoing Tapang at Malasakit under 16 basketball tournament held at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Metro Manila.
This came after DJA drove past the National Capital Region (NCR) 70-59, in the do-or-die game elimination round yesterday.
DJA opened its campaign with a 59-56 win over Mandaue City of Visayas last Saturday that was shortly followed with heart-breaking 84-90 loss against Bulacan.
The finals, however, will be all about redemption for Mindanao while vindication for Bulacan that was believed to have been favored by the officiators.
"Ang problema lang jud sa officiating kay dili maminaw sa complains. Dili mi gina-entertain mao ng ang organizer pa magpatawag sa three ka refs to talk it out," DJA head coach Rael Diaz said.
He, however, promised to make necessary adjustments that would counter the opposite's early offense.
"Diha mi nadaut gahapon kay dili namo mapugngan ilang sprints," he said.
Since DJA's entry in the recent Batang Pinoy 2019 National Championships was cancelled, Diaz said they will show in this tournament what they have trained for.