The Eagles employed a crippling defense to beat the Gems, 76-65, in their first meeting Sunday night and another victory tonight would raise their pacesetting record to 3-0 in the Southern Conference.
The Gems, however, are raring to exact revenge and they’re capable of doing the trick as could be gleaned from their 97-91 overtime conquest of the RCPI Negros Slashers.
Gems coach Francis Rodriguez will surely devise ways to stop Jon Dan Salvador, Mike Manigo and Billy Mamaril who were responsible in spoiling their debut.
Salvador routed the Gems’ big men inside the paint on Sunday, coming through with 22 rebounds and for sure Cebuana Lhuillier centers Willy Mejia, Allan Gamboa and Marc Pingris are raring to get back at coach Bong Go’s prized rookie.
Rodriguez, however, must also worry about Cid White, who pumped in 22 points in Professional Davao’s 97-87 drubbing of Casino Cagayan de Oro Tuesday night, shooter Glen Peter Yap and 2001 top discovery Peter Jun Simon.