THE Bacolod Master Sardines, the Bacolod City's team in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), will have its homecourt game against the Soccsksargen Marlins team at the University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City on Saturday, September 21.
Aside from the Bacolod Master Sardines and Soccsksargen Marlins teams, the Davao Occidental Tigers and Basilan Steel will also have their game in Bacolod.
Bacolod City Representative Greg Gasataya said Thursday, September 19, that this is the home game of Bacolod Master Sardines and it is also a good publicity for Bacolod.
"Hundreds of players and guests are coming in here and it's a good help for the economy of Bacolod. It's also the time for our players to show their best in the game," he said.
He added that Senator Manny Pacquiao, founder of the MPBL, will also watch the games and he is expected to arrive in Bacolod Friday, September 20.
Gasataya said he is hopeful that the team will do well for the people of Bacolod.
The first game will be the Davao Occidental Tigers against the Basilan Steel at 7 p.m. and the second game will be the Bacolod Master Sardines against the Soccsksargen Marlins at 9 p.m.
Vic Ycasiano, Bacolod Master Sardines head coach, said their team is now at the 11th spot in Group B of the MPBL with five wins and eight losses.
"If we will win the Saturday's game, we will occupy the 9th spot. It's a very special game because it's the team of Bacolod and we will play for the people of Bacolod so let's support our team," he said.
The Bacolod Master Sardines is composed of more than 15 players and some of them were former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players.
Among the Bacolod Master Sardines players are Paolo Javelona, Erwilson Santos, and Arben Dionson, who are all residents of Bacolod City.
The three players said they will play hard, will follow their coach and give their best for the people of Bacolod.
"We are hopeful to win because this is our home court," they said.
Gasataya and the Bacolod Master Sardines team are asking the support of the Bacolodnons to watch the game on Saturday, September 21.