MBA to honor RP cage team

Debuting Andok’s San Juan and Negros renew their rivalry as they clash today at resumption of the MBA Second Phase at the San Juan gym.

FedEx Laguna tangles with Socsargen at 3 p.m., ending the league’s two-week break to allow some of its players and coaches represent the Philippines in the just-concluded Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian Games.

Having succeeded in its defense of the men’s basketball crown, the Philippine team will be honored in between the games.

The players and coaching staff, including team manager Bert Lina, will also be feted by MBA officials, led by Multi-Regional Board Inc. chair and president Santi Araneta and commissioner Butch Antonio.

Though Andok’s San Juan has beaten Negros in the First Phase finals and last year’s national championships, the Slashers remain a tough opponent owing to their firepower. The Knights, however, are expected to cash in on the proverbial homecourt edge.

Expected to lead the Knights are RP team mainstays Chris Calaguio, Chito Victolero and Omanzie Rodriguez, while SEA Games veterans John Ferriols, Ruben dela Rosa and Jomar Tierra anchor the Slashers’ bid in their 5:30 p.m. encounter.

Meantime, RP team coach Boycie Zamar hopes to snap Socsargen’s losing skid as the Marlins battle the Laguna Lakers in the 3 p.m. opener.