Topseed Lapu-Lapu Chiefs and the second-ranked Bogo Bogoys kick off their bid for supremacy in the 1st Inter-City Challenge Cup basketball tournament as they go up against each other in Game 1 of the best-of-three finals tonight at the Lapu-Lapu Plaza covered court.
The Chiefs and the Bogoys clash at 9 pm, right after the Danao Pistols and the Talisay Aquastars battle for third place honors at 7 pm.
The Chiefs of coach Larry Villanil are tipped to bag the crown because of their great teamwork and stifling defense that made them the elimination round topnotcher.
Playing before their staunch supporters will make the Chiefs even more difficult to beat. More to that, the Chiefs’ morale are high heading into the match having beaten the Bogoys at the their turf during the season-opening match way back in December last year.
A former defensive gem during his prime as a pro, Villanil is not taking any chances though against the hard-fighting Bogoys, who espoused that discipline and sticking into their system are the vital components that towed them to the finals.
Villanil will count the most from his key gunners in the likes of Jarjar Degamo, Orly Amores, Manny Pancho, Michael Asoro, Adonis Morata, Rino Berido and Ritchel Falcon among others.
Although they’re the solid favorites over the Bogoys, Villanil refused to make any prediction because they might feel the pressure when they host tonight’s series opener
“We are ready for the finals,” assured Villanil.
The Chiefs’ main concern is the unpredictability of the Bogoys, who are capable of brandishing a run-and-gun game and can quickly make defensive transition on the other end.
The Bogoys have only two prominent stars in Jun Ace Ursal and Noel Balili, but they are very dangerous when they play as one platoon.
Game 2 will be played in Bogo, which Game 3, if necessary, will swing back to Lapu-Lapu. The champion will receive P1.5 million worth of incentives that will be coursed through the representative of their respective districts.