What’s left of the Hapee roster looks as intimidating so Cebuana Lhuillier braces for a tough encounter when the two squads collide in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup today.
“This is a big test for the team,” said Cebuana coach Boycie Zamar. “Let’s face it, Hapee is actually the same (six-time champion) NLEX team. Just look at the players.”
The Fresh Fighters, who will have to do without six key men, try to stretch their unbeaten run to five games against the Gems at 2 p.m. today at Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) gym in Manila.
Cafe France, toting a 3-1 record, hopes to rebound from a gruelling double overtime loss in the second match at 4 p.m. versus Tanduay Light.
Ray Parks and Earl Scottie Thompson, both MVPs in the collegiate ranks, along with former league MVP Garvo Lanete aim to keep the Fresh Fighters on a roll even without some varsity standouts like Baser Amer and Ola Adeogun.
“We just have to help each other out,” said Hapee coach Ronnie Magsanoc.
Amer, Adeogun and four other San Beda players will miss the Hapee game as they suit up for their school in another collegiate tournament.