ILAGAN, ISABELA — For the second straight week, the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys will be hosting another MPBL out-of-town game and no less than former league champion Batangas City-Tanduay will visit the corn capital of the Philippines on Saturday as part of the three-game bill.
The Cowboys and the Rum Masters clash in the main game at 8 p.m. as the host team faces yet another acid test.
Carrying a 3-4 win-loss slate, Ilagan Isabela badly needs to salvage this one against a crack Batangas City squad, which only last week carved out a tough 82-79 win over Pasay to snap a three-game binge.
For the Cowboys, a win at home will be a perfect sendoff before they head back to Manila for another series of road games. Just last week, Ilagan Isabela dropped an 83-90 decision against the hot-shooting General Santos City Warriors and going back to the .500 win-loss mark will be essential for the Cowboys just to salvage some measure of pride.
Head coach Louie Gonzalez told Pinoystep.com after his team’s loss last week that they want to avoid another slow start and they cannot afford to do so, especially against a formidable Batangas City side, champion of the league’s inaugural staging seven years ago.
Nueva Ecija, Pampanga picked
Still spotless after eight games, Nueva Ecija takes on General Santos City while Pampanga squares off with Pasig.
The Rice Vanguards and the Giant Lanterns are heavily favored over their respective rivals, but things could change each time games are played on the road.
Nueva Ecija protects its unblemished mark when it takes on General Santos City at 6 p.m.
While the Rice Vanguards are picked to win, the Warriors had already found themselves much settled at the venue as they’ve been here more than a week ago, which will give them an advantage in terms of familiarity with the playing conditions.
The Giant Lanterns battle Pasig at 4 p.m. and the reigning champions are determined to push forward in their title retention bid.
