STRUGGLING teams seek relief, as four squads try to snap their losing skids today in the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Both hoping to end their woes, Racal Motors and Gamboa Coffee Mix clash in the main game at 5 p.m., while Tanduay and cellar-dwelling Zark’s Burgers face off in the curtain-raiser at 3 p.m.
Losers of three straight games, Racal Coach Jerry Codiñera believes that the changes in his roster truly took a toll on his side.
“The players find difficulty adjusting to the new plays. We just hope the players find the chemistry we are looking for,” Codinera said.
The Alibaba has suddenly plummeted down the standings after their 2-0 start, with their latest defeat coming at the hands of league-leader Flying V, 94-86, last Monday.
Codiñera is still keeping his hopes up, especially with Racal on the outside looking in to the top 6 teams midway through the eliminations, as he banks on the trio of Rian Ayonayon, Allan Mangahas and Mac Tallo to finally end the losing streak.
However, experience won’t be on Racal’s side this time as a veteran-laden Gamboa Coffee Mix also wants to halt its five-game losing run.
Playing-Coach Leo Avenido took responsibility for his team’s struggles, noting that the players should know better on how to act on crucial late-game situations, especially after handing AMA Online Education a tight 67-66 win last Tuesday.
In the first game, Coach Lawrence Chongson is hell-bent on leading Tanduay to rebound after its humiliating 104-89 defeat to Flying V last Thursday, which halted the Rhum Masters’ three-game winning run.
And what better way for Tanduay to quickly get back on the winning track than facing a still-skidding Jawbreakers crew, which has lost its last three games.
But Robby Celiz has slowly emerged as a go-to scorer for Zark’s Burgers, and if there’s one thing the newcomers want, it’s definitely an upset.