COMING off a weeklong break, MJAS Zenith-Talisay City returns to the Alcantara Civic Center tonight against KCS Computer Specialist-Mandaue City in Game 1 of the Visayas Leg best-of-three finals in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup.
Tip-off is at 7 p.m. with Talisay City going into the match propped up by a 10-game winning streak, including a pair of victories against Mandaue City — 77-57 rout back on April 13 and an 81-73 win on April 24.
All their previous accomplishments would mean nothing, according to Aquastars coach Aldrin Morante, if they would not come out on top in this one.
“We’re back to 0-0,” Morante said. “Forget about 10-0. This is the finals and we need to stay hungry and we need to stay sharp.”
While Morante admitted that practice pales in comparison to actual games, he said their scrimmages have been fierce. The soft-spoken coach said he wants his players to pay close attention to KCS’ top guns — Gryann Mendoza and Ping Exciminiano.
“We can’t be complacent and we have to limit their scoring since they’re the ones who give life to KCS,” Morante said. “KCS is a heavy-hitter and we all need to stay focused.”
KCS, which is coming off a grueling 74-64 semifinal win over the ARQ Builders Lapu-Lapu last Thursday, has no time to rest. Limiting Talisay’s court general, Paulo Hubalde, is high on their list, said coach Mike Reyes.
Hubalde has been the maestro for Talisay’s offense. In both of their wins against KCS, the heady guard averaged eight assists.
KCS assistant coach Jabby Bautista admitted they have a tough task ahead of them but is confident their team can give Talisay a run for it money.
