PBA D-League: Titans tackle Fresh Fighters

AMA University shoots for solo second spot when it battles a shorthanded Hapee squad even as MP Hotel tries to nail back-to-back wins Thursday in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Titans seek their third win in four games in the 3 p.m. clash with the Fresh Fighters who are missing several key players due to injuries.

MP Hotel tries to make it two in a row against winless Liver Marin in a clash of school-based teams at 1 p.m.

The Warriors are bannered by Letran players like Rey Nambatac while Liver Marin has San Sebastian standout Jamil Ortuoste leading the charge.

The 107-106 double overtime win over Cagayan Valley last March 26 snapped an 11-game losing streak for the Warriors dating back to the previous conference.

Despite their woeful record, Warriors coach Jose Luis Gonzales isn’t taking the Stags for granted.

“This will be an interesting matchup,” said Gonzales. “Liver Marin’s desire to nail a first win makes them dangerous, so we have to match their energy.”

The Titans are hoping to build on their 76-74 come-from-behind victory over Tanduay Light last week and another win will vault them past Jumbo Plastic and Cagayan Valley which both hold 2-1 records.

The Fresh Fighters, who are coming off a 74-50 rout of Liver Marin also last week, will miss the injured Ray Parks and Arnold Van Opstal.

But coach Ronnie Magsanoc can take confidence at the play of guard Scott Thompson who has stepped up in Parks’ absence.

“We have a lot of new players in the team,” said Magsanoc. “I hope the players understand that what we need right now is a lot of patience to get the job done.” Cedelf P. Tupas