August 14, 2019

TIP aims to bolster playoff drive vs. Black Mamba

TECHNOLOGICAL Institute of the Philippines shoots for a playoff spot in the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup when it battles Black Mamba Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Engineers currently sport a 3-1 card and a win over the newcomers will assure them of a slot in the next round.

"We're already looking ahead. Right now 3-1 kami, so I think we have one foot in the door already sa playoffs. We want to prepare for the playoffs already as early as now," said coach Potit De Vera.

Senegalese big man Papa Ndiaye, Bryan Santos, and Ivan Santos are seen to lead TIP once more just like what they did last week when they tore apart Italiano's Homme by 35 points, 133-98.

But standing on the Engineers' way will be a Black Mamba side that is also keen on reigning victorious.

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The Energy Drink are looking to follow up their 86-82 victory over Alberei last August 5 -- a win which showed the team's character as they climbed back from 18-points down en route to their debut win.

Coach Vis Valencia, though, is aware of the challenge facing his wards in the 1:30 p.m. bout.

"They're younger, they're faster. We just have to match up yung energy ng TIP. They're a young team, they're running, so we have to prepare for that," said the youthful bench strategist.

Valencia will once again be banking on the trio of Dahrell Caranguian, Clark Derige, and John Tayongtong.