Batangas Blades gun for 4th win, solo lead against Patriots

LBC Batangas targets solo lead when it tangles with Nueva Ecija at 3 p.m. today in the MBA Second Phase at the San Luis Sports Complex in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Coming from a 107-100 conquest of FedEx Laguna Sunday night, LBC Batangas is favored over Nueva Ecija, which dropped its last assignment to Negros (111-99).

The Blades will again bank on national players Romel Adducul and Eddie Laure and Alex Compton in their bid to post victory No. 4 and move ahead of idle Negros in the standings.

LBC coach Nash Racela has given Chris Corbin more playing time to make up for the absence of Stephen Antonio, who flew to the United States to attend to pressing family problems.

FedEx Laguna tries to get back on track when it meets Cebuana Lhuillier at 5:30 p.m.

Though Fil-Ams Chris Clay and Jeffrey Flowers have been delivering the goods, the Lakers have been beaten twice by the Blades en route to a 1-2 record.

To check their skid, the Lakers must also draw points from the local gunners like Biboy Simon and Richard Melencio.

Despite the absence of Matthew Mitchell, who suddenly left for the United States, the Gems remain formidable with Peter Naron, Stephen Padilla and Homer Se at the helm.

Gems coach Tonichi Yturri will also be banking on recruit Chris de Jesus, Roy Lura, Carlos Sayon and veterans Al Solis and Joey Santamaria.

Saddled by injuries, the Gems bowed to the Pariots, 90-81, last Sept. 2.

Meantime, The Professional Group and the Davao Eagles will formalize their partnership in the MBA today. To be decided upon is the name the Eagles will carry this conference.