THE Cebu City Sharks will put their winning streak on the line when they face the dangerous Muntinlupa Cagers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup at the Marist School Gym in Marikina City on Saturday, Jan. 19.
The Casino Ethyl Alcohol-backed Sharks are currently on a three-game win streak with a 9-11 (win-loss) record that’s good for seventh place in the South Division. A win against the No. 2 ranked Muntinlupa should solidify Cebu City’s quest for playoffs.
Sharks head coach Norberto “Titing” Manalili admitted that the team’s next opponent is a force to be reckoned with but he guarantees the team will not back down from the challenge.
“Muntinlupa is a strong team. But we will do our best in this game,” said the former University of San Jose-Recoletos bench tactician Manilili.
Cebu City enters the game with high morale after racking up consecutive wins against Pasay Voyagers, Caloocan Supremos and Pampanga Lanters. With five games left for the Sharks in the elimination round, every assignment feels like a must-win game
Only the Top 8 teams in the South Division and North Division will make it to the playoffs.
“We are not assured yet of a spot in the playoffs. We need to get more wins. We will play hard every game and, hopefully, we make it to the playoffs,” said Manalili.
On the other hand, Manalili said starters William McAloney and Victor Nuñez will continue the season for Sharks. McAloney and Nuñez were recently picked in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) D-League Rookie Draft by Che’Lu Bar and Grill.
“We have nothing to be worried about because both players are under contract until the end of the conference. I think they also asked permission from Che’Lu that they would finish the MPBL Datu Cup,” he said. (RSC)