ARMED and ready.
Defending champion Nueva Ecija is not one to falter under pressure in its best-of-3 semifinals duel with San Juan in the North division of the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season.
Rice Vanguards team owner Bong Cuevas is convinced the Jerson Cabiltes-mentored quintet has what it takes against the Knights.
“Itong Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards are a veteran team. Nakita ninyo naman iyon. Kapag tinitignan mo naman tao niyan, they’re a veteran team,” Cuevas said. “So, that’s what I told them. If ever mayroong team who will be able to handle the pressure, it’s this team. The only thing that will make the difference is gaano kayo ka-desidido na depensahan ang korona.
“At the same time, that starts with the good defense and coaches will have to make adjustment kasi nag-adjust na iyong mga kalaban namin sa amin,” he added.
No. 2 Nueva Ecija clashes with sixth seed San Juan today in the opening match of the semis at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The match is set at 6 o’clock before top seed Pampanga hosts fourth-ranked Caloocan in the nightcap at 8 p.m.
The Rice Vanguards downed the Pasay Voyagers 71-62 last week to complete a 2-0 sweep of their quarterfinals clash, while San Juan outlasted Makati 95-92 in double overtime also last Monday to reach the Last Four.
Cuevas is banking on Nueva Ecija’s experience and depth to hurdle the Knights.
“Correspondingly, it’s not only the players, but the coaches will also have to re-adjust our defense and offense based sa ihaharap sa amin ng kalaban, especially San Juan,” the amiable executive and sportsman said.