John-O faces Dazz today

John-O, following its 82-85 setback to Montana Pawnshop Saturday, will play under new coach Dong Vergeire when it clashes with Dazz Dishwashing Liquid today in the 2002 PBL Challenge Cup at the Makati Coliseum.

Team owner Senator John Osmena decided to replace former coach Manny Dandan after the team, the champion of the 1st PBL-CBF Dual Meet in Pasig, suffered two straight setbacks despite having a solid lineup.

For Vergeire, he’s glad to be back in the league but a bit sentimental going up against his former team in the 3 p.m. encounter. Coach Junel Baculi’s mastery of tactics is nothing new to him as they’ve met before.

Dazz will be gunning for a share of the lead along with Blu All-Purpose, which will be facing Montana in the 5 p.m. main game. And it’s just the opportunity Baculi is waiting for.

"So far, so good," said Baculi following their 81-73 triumph over ICTSI morale booster for us."

The Blu-Montana match is fast becoming a classic rivalry as the two teams engaged in a titular showdown twice in Cebu. Blu coach Leo Isaac admits that the Jewelers could be even more deadly now that they have jelled better than they were in Cebu.

Focus will be on the battle at the boards between the veteran twin tower tandem of Marlon Legaspi and Allan Gamboa against the younger but equally tough duo of Billy Mamaril and Jon Dan Salvador.

On the side is the three-point shootout of Blu’s Aries Dimaunahan, Tristan Codamon and Mike Garcia against Montana’s Sunday Salvacion, Gary David and Jenkins Mesina.

"Mas coordinated na yung plays nila, tumindi pa yung intensity nila so we have to be extra cautious. And we know they’re too eager to get back at us," said Isaac.

"But we will be ready. Me konting adjustments sa opensa at depensa naming and I just hope our plays will be perfectly executed," he added.

Montana displayed its true form with its 85-82 win over John-O though coach Ronnie Dojillo said there are some aspects the team needs to polish.

"I must admit the team still lacks maturity, and that’s what we’re working on right now. In the last PBL-CBF Dual Meet, we were almost there, siguro nasobrahan lang kami sa gigil," related Dojillo.

"We know this is not a championship match but we’ll treat it as one. Hopefully, the game will turn to our favor," he added.