Nutri-licious seeks lead vs Blu Star

Newcomer Nutri-licious guns for its second straight triumph and the early lead as it collides with debuting Blu Star Detergent today in the Sunkist-PBL 2003 Unity Cup at the Makati Coliseum.

Gametime is at 5 p.m.

The Nutri-licious Juicers pulled off a stunning 69-61 win over Montana in the opener last Sunday in a victory that gained the team the confidence it needs as it tries to create an impact early in the league.

"That win gave us confidence," said Nutri-licious Monel Kallos. "But I warned my players that we have to always play harder since there’s a lot of tough teams out there."

Expect the prolific troika of Nelber Omolon, Ismael Junio and Irvin Sotto to carry the scoring cudgels for the Juicers the way they did in the first game that had them combining for 48 points. Backing them up are Jaymar Rivera, Efren Valdez and three-point shooters Chico Lanete and Rommel Daep.

But against Blu, Nutri-licious will be bumping into a tall team which boasts of Ruel Buenaventura, Roland Pascual, Melvin Taguines and Randy Lopez who are expected to back Allan Gamboa inside the paint.

"Blu will be a big challenge. But playing against a seasoned team gives my young boys the needed exposure in this kind of competition. If they play with the same big heart as they did against Viva or even better, I believe we’ll have good chances of winning again," Kallos added.

Viva Mineral Water and Montana Jewelers try to bounce back from their opening day setbacks as they duel in the 3 p.m. opener.

The match between Viva and Montana will be aired delayed over the National Broadcasting Network from 4-6 p.m. while the second game will be telecast from 10-12 p.m.

Likewise, the March 23 opening match between Hapee and Viva, and the battle between Nutri-licious and Viva will be replayed also today over Solar Sports Ch. 29 from 2-6 p.m.