Slashers face big challenge vs Lakers

The Negros Slashers get another big test at home when they clash with the FedEx Laguna Lakers today in the MBA Second Phase at the USLS Gym in Bacolod City.

Struggling in the first two games at home, the Slashers must do better in the 5:30 p.m. encounter if they are to win over the Lakers, who were impressive in a 109-66 dumping of the Nueva Ecija Patriots last Friday.

The Slashers, who are hard to beat at USLS in the First Phase, yielded to the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems, 83-78, on Sept. 30 and blew a 20-point lead before besting the TPG Davao Eagles, 106-101, Wednesday night.

Knowing the tough grind ahead, Negros coach Robert Sison opted to rest Cid White and Dennis Madrid for the most part of their game against the Eagles.

White suffered a bruised heel bone on the right foot in the first quarter while Madrid experienced back pains in the second half.

Negros is pacing the Southern Conference with a 6-win, 1-loss slate, while FedEx Laguna lies at the middle of the Northern Conference at 4-3.