GAMBOA Coffee Mix-Saint Clare and University of Perpetual Help face off on Monday in a crucial game in the Philippine Basketball Association D-League Aspirants’ Cup Monday at JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
Tied with Wang’s Basketball-Letran at seventh to ninth spots with 2-2 won-lost records, the Coffee Lovers and Altas are both determined to snatch a victory in the 2 p.m. encounter to bolster their respective bids for a playoff spot.
Perpetual Help Coach Frankie Lim is confident his troops could compete against the Coffee Lovers following their impressive showing in their 82-75 win over Batangas-Emilio Aguinaldo College last Thursday.
“We just have to play our game. They are aware that we have to play pressure defense and deny our opponents the ball because that’s our best shot to win,” Lim said.
Gamboa Coffee Mix-Saint Clare is also determined to bounce back from its 85-92 loss to Akari-Adamson University on February 15.
Even with that loss, Fil-Am guard Trevis Jackson remained positive that the Coffee Lovers could vie against any team in the league.
“I’m just proud that we keep on fighting. The most important thing is we don’t quit and it’s all that matters,” Jackson said. “If you don’t quit, you always have a chance. That’s what I like about this team.”
National Collegiate Athletic Association rivals Jose Rizal University and Wang’s Basketball-Letran clash in the second game at 4 o’clock.
The Heavy Bombers have lost four games in a row, while the Couriers resume their campaign after an 18-day break.