Out-of-towner pits PBL frontrunners

It’s another battle of the titans as Welcoat Paints and Montana Pawnshop square off today in the second outreach match of the 2002 PBL Challenge Cup at the Tarlac State University Gym in Tarlac.

People of Tarlac will have the chance to see the battle of the boards between Welcoat’s talented big men Romel Adducul and Eddie Laure against Montana’s twin tower tandem of Billy Mamaril and Jon Dan Salvador in the 2 p.m. match.

Making it an exciting twinbill is the battle of defense and strategy between Dazz Dishwashing Liquid and Blu All-Purpose at 4 p.m.

The second out-of-town was made possible in coordination with Francis Jopillo through the support of Tarlac City Mayor Aro Mendoza, former mayor Ace Manalang, Tarlac State U president Dr. Dolores Matias, and local special events coordinators Manchoy Mendoza, Pong Hipolito and Noel Mallari.

Expect tough action down the wire as the Paint Masters and the Jewelers will be disputing the top spot in this nine-team field.

Welcoat is hoping to preserve a clean slate as it eyes for its fourth straight win. Montana, however, is not only gunning for its fourth straight win but also a share of the leadership.

"Montana is another tough and tall team which need a different strategy because they’re a faster team and more intact. Hopefully, experience will pull us through," said Welcoat coach Leo Austria.

"Every other team is out to stop Welcoat and to beat them would be a big morale booster for the boys. The boys showed their determination and spirit against Cheese Balls-Shark and they’re all psyched up for this crucial game. All I told them was to play with the same intensity and execute our gameplan well," replied Montana coach Ronnie Dojillo.

Backing up Adducul and Laure for Welcoat are the season trio of former Freezer Kings Ronald Tubid, Ariel Capus and Paul Artadi, and 6’7 Jean Marc Pingress.

The Jewelers will also be parading an array of talented three-point shooters Sunday Salvacion, Gary David, Jenkins Mesina and Edgar Echavez.

Blu,fresh from a 77-72 beating of sister team Cheese Balls-Shark, likewise hopes to make it a three-way tie for the lead if the Paint Masters lose and Isaac will bank anew on Aries Dimaunahan, Lou Gatumbato, Arnold Calo, Allan Gamboa and Marlon Legaspi to continue their winning streak.

But Dazz is aiming to bounce back from two consecutive setbacks, and Baculi will tap Eugene Tan, Nino Gelig, Cyrus Baguio, June Simon and Allan Salangsang to stop Blu.