by Jerome Lagunzad
Games Today (Muntinlupa Sports Complex)
7 p.m. — Bulacan vs Parañaque
(Kuyas lead series 1-0)
9 p.m. — Navotas vs Muntinlupa
(Cagers lead series 1-0)
Bulacan and Muntinlupa go for the kill against quarterfinals opponents tonight in the resumption of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Anta Rajah Cup playoffs at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.
The second-ranked Kuyas will have the first crack at 7 p.m. against the seventh-seeded Parañaque Patriots, whom they defeated 83-73 on their home floor at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium Thursday.
Also eager to claim a semis berth are the third-seeded Cagers, who are eager to a repeat an 83-77 win over the sixth-ranked Navotas Clutch in their 9 p.m. showdown.
Stephen Siruma, who exploded for 24 points, 17 of them coming in the first half, the last time out, is expected to lead Bulacan’s resurgent attack alongside Jovit Dela Cruz, Jay-R Taganas, and Jorey Napoles.
Out to foil the Kuyas’ immediate bid are the Patriots’ main gunners Jong Baloria, Gab Dagangon and Harold Arboleda who are all tipped to show up firing on all cylinders with their backs against the wall.
Meanwhile, former pro Chito Jaime, ex-Letran stalwart Felix Apreku, and former Mapua standout Allan Mangahas should be at the forefront of the Cagers’ charge as they renew their rivalry with the Clutch’s top aces like Ron Dennison, Gino Jumao-as and JP Calvo.