Niños face Nationals today
Game Wednesday:
Cebu Coliseum
6:30 p.m. – Smart Gilas vs. M. Lhuillier
CEBUANO BASKETBALL fans are in for a treat as the country’s national basketball squad the Smart Gilas-Pilipinas troop to the Cebu Coliseum tonight for an exhibition match against the multi-titled M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños.
In spite of it being an exhibition encounter, the game is expected to be a fierce matchup as both teams are gearing up for their respective goals.
The reigning Liga Pilipinas national champion Niños are raring to defend their title in the upcoming Super Leg set for next week while the Nationals are hoping to fine tune their skills and teamwork in time for the William Jones Cup in Taiwan and the FIBA-Asia men’s championship in Wuhan, China in September.
The two teams met in an exhibition series last year with each squad coming away with a win against one another. The Gilas squad that will be playing today is an even stronger one with the inclusion of naturalized 6-foot-10 American Marcus Douthit.
Leading the Gilas are co-captains Mark Barroca and Chris Tiu along with Japeth Aguilar, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz, Dylan Ababou, Mac Baracael and JV Casio.
Article continues after this advertisementCebuano hotshot Dondon Hontiveros is also on the team along with fellow pros Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams and Asi Taulava. But they will not be playing because of their commitments to their pro squads in the ongoing PBA Governor’s Cup.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Niños of head coach Raul Alcoseba are still groping for form with the presence of new players, which they hope will boost their campaign. The new faces are Marvin Hayes, Allein Maliksi, Mark Jeffries and the comebacking Ariel Mepana. It remains to be seen whether former pro and San Beda ace Ogie Menor will be coming back to the squad.
After today, the Gilas will play against the Liga league-leaders Mandaue-Cebu Landmasters/RDAK tomorrow at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex. Then they will fly to Iloilo on Friday for another match against the Niños at the University of San Agustin gym. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio
