Pasig eyes Equalizer

MANILA, Philippines — Pasig City MCW Sports fights for dear life when it goes on the road against Caloocan in Game 2 of their 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) quarterfinals face-off today at the Caloocan City Sports Complex.

Game time is at 8 p.m. for the main event of the explosive playoff showdown with Pasig out to stave off elimination and force a rubber match after surrendering a narrow loss in Game 1.

“I’m happy with how we played in Game 1. We had a chance to make it and win it. We’ll be back,” said Pasig City MCW Sports coach Boyet Fernandez as his team beams with confidence to stand its ground in the rematch.

Both teams played in a neutral arena in Game 1 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga, where Caloocan escaped by a whisker, 71-69, in a thrilling dogfight.

The same toe-to-toe duel is expected, but the team owned by decorated basketball executive Buddy Encarnado is hopeful to turn the tide in its favor to drag the series to a winner-take-all.

“It will be tough for us but we’ll improve,” said Fernandez, who has a long treasured and proven connection with Encarnado way back during their PBA glory days with Sta. Lucia.

Veterans Robbie Manalang, Ryan Costelo, Josan Nimes and Jason Ballesteros along with rising stars Kenny Roger Rocacurva and Michael Maestre will banner Pasig’s resistance.

Standing in their way is a stacked Caloocan core led by ex-PBA stalwarts Mac Baracael, Reil Cervantes, Ronnie Matias, Paul Sanga and Gabby Espinas, who drained the game-winner in Game 1.