Blustar seeks repeat over ICTSI today

The PBL Platinum Cup holds a pair of games featuring Blustar Detergent versus ICTSI and Sunkist-University of Santo Tomas against Viva Mineral Water today at the UST Gym before taking a one-week break to give way for the RP team competing in the 22nd Hanoi Southeast Asian Games.

The Detergent Kings, at fourth place with a 3-3 (win-loss) slate, seek a repeat over the ICTSI Archers at 1:45 p.m. with a victory keeping them in step with Unity Cup titlists Fash Liquid Power (4-3) at No. 3.

Welcoat Paints and Montaña Jewels show the way in the seven-team field with 6-1 and 4-2 slates, respectively.

The Tigers, on the other hand, try to keep their win run at their turf as they clash with the struggling Water Force, who could only churn out a lone victory in seven outings, which ironically came at the expense of their rivals in their 3:45 p.m. match,

Spearheaded by American Alex Compton, the Tigers have won their two games at the UST gym for a 3-4 card and another victory today will not only avenge their first round loss to the Water Force but also enhance their bid for a berth in the next round.

Sunkist coach Nel Parado, taking over RP team mentor Aric del Rosario, is expected to lean anew on the experience and outside firepower of Compton, who will need a lot of support to atone their loss 53-54 loss to Fash last Sunday in San Juan.

The Water Force, coming off a surprising second place finish in the last conference, must put their act together if they want to keep their flickering hopes alive. But Viva coach Koy Banal said it’s not just about hardwork and team play.

"It’s the desire," said Banal, who steered the Tamaraws to this year’s UAAP title but whose wards have struggled at this stage of the conference.