Momentum and the crowd on its side, Zamboanga Master Sardines seeks a repeat and a South Division semifinal slot over Paranaque in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Mayor Vitaliano D. Agan Coliseum in Zamboanga City.

After yielding Game One, 79-83, of their quarterfinal series in Lucena City, the Zamboanguenos rebounded strongly, routing the Patriots in Game Two, 94-72, on Oct. 14 at the same venue to force the decider.

Zamboanga is favored to prevail in Game Three set at 7 p.m. and advance to the semifinals against the waiting Quezon Province, the top South playoffs qualifier which swept Negros, 2-0, in another quarterfinal series.

Zamboanga Coach Louis Alas will again call on 2022 MPBL MVP Jaycee Marcelino, his twin brother Jayvee, Joseph Gabayni, Renzo Subido, tiny speedster Rey Joey Barcuma, Game Two star Pedrito Galanza, Rey Publico and Ady Santos, who has struggled in the series thus far.

Steady Jaycee is averaging 18 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in the series, followed by Galanza, who pumped in 5 triples and 20 points on Oct. 14,  with 13.5 points and 4 rebounds, and Subido with 12 points and 4.5 assists.

Gabayni is norming 9 points and 10.5 rebounds, while Barcuma is contributing 9.5 points and 4 assists per outing.

Paranaque Coach Mike Saguiguit will lean on MPBL All-Star JP Sarao who's norming 17.5 points, 5 rebounds and 3.5 assists, JR Olegario (11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists), Jielo Razon (10.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3 assists) and John Uduba (7.5 points, 9 rebounds).