Tribu Sugbu eyes 16th win today vs. Laguna

MINGLANILLA, CEBU - The Spring Cooking Oil-backed Laguna Spring will start its two-game Visayas road trip 7 p.m. today when they face the defending champion Skygo/Sirltiz-backed Tribu Sugbu in the 2005 Panasonic-NBC national championship at the Minglanilla Sports Center.

The Spring Cooking Oil Masters of NBC President Nathaniel "Tac" Padilla and Gov. Teresita "Ningning" Lazaro will try to snap the 15-game winning streak at home of the defending champions.

The Cebuanos of businessmen Lito Gillamac and Mario King will have their hands full against Laguna, who are coming off with a two-game roll to hike up their record to 3-2.

Laguna beat the signing deadline last Friday and tapped former RP Team mainstays Dondon Villamin and Mel Latoreno.

The former duo of the UST Growling Tigers strengthened Laguna's rotation, which already has veteran Sonny Manucat, Mar Reyes, Robin Mendoza, Marlon Kalaw, Rodel Manuel and the towering trio of Rodel Mallari, PBA Rookie Draft applicant Val Domingo and Chris Corbin.

"Last season, we went toe-to-toe with them. I expect this game to be another close fight," Solis said. Tribu Sugbu will bank on old reliables Doroteo Almacin, Ronald Bucao, Alex Cainglet and Lowell Briones in the offensive end.

Providing the muscle in the shaded area are Neil Rañeses, Marvin Mercado, Alex Mangubat and Bernie Ursal.

"We hope to stop their streak. Our defense will be the key," Laguna mentor Vic Sanchez said. On Tuesday, Laguna will face the Hapee/Dewfoam-backed Mantawi Sparkling Nights 6 p.m. at the Mandaue Sports Center.

The Tribu Sugbu (6-2) and the Sparkling Nights (5-2) trails the Ozamiz Cotta in the southern conference.

Not far behind are the Iligan Crusaders (3-4) and the Valencia Golden Harvest (3-4), CDO Stars (1-3), Iloilo Warriors (1-6) and the Zanorte Hornbills (1-7).