Aspirants Cup: Steelmasters to test retooled line-up against Wizards
RnW Pacific Pipes looks to take advantage of a retooled line-up when it takes on winless PC Gilmore at 4 p.m. Thursday in the continuation of the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Far Eastern University gym.
The Steelmasters got a big boost when Filipino-Americans Jordan Sanvictores and JR Buensuceso were cleared to play in the league after gaining certificates of recognition from the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
It was an auspicious debut for the duo as Buensuceso led the Steelmasters with 19 points while the 6-foot-6 Sanvictores tallied 17 points including crucial baskets late in the game as RnW pulled-off an 80-76 come-from-behind victory over Café France last Monday.
"I hope they fit into our system quickly. Their presence is really a boost for the team," said RnW coach Topex Robinson about the team's prized find.
The Wizards, however, wil get a much-needed shot in the arm after Fil-Ams Kelly Nabong and Alfred Mandani also gained their certificate of recognition from the BI.
"Respect goes out to PC Gilmore. I'm sure they will work hard to get their first win," Robinson said. "I just hope we can sustain that same defensive intensity coming into the game."
In the first game, winless Cobra Energy Drink and Café France slug it out at 2 p.m.
The Ironmen suffered their third defeat of the conference losing to sister team Boracay Rum, 70-56, Tuesday.
The Bakers are looking to bounce back from that sorry loss to RnW and clinch their first win afer a 0-3 record. — JVP, GMA News
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/238729/sports/aspirants-cup-steelmasters-to-test-retooled-line-up-against-wizards
