Sparks shoot for solo second versus Tortillos

Toyota Otis and Granny Goose seek to move closer to solo leader Montana Pawnshop as the two clash today in the PBL Unity Cup at the Olivarez Sports Center.

Tied with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on 4-2 (win-loss) slates, the Sparks shoot for a win against the Tortillos in their 4 p.m. duel that would push them to solo second behind the Jewels (5-1).

A loss, however, would relegate Toyota Otis, which lost to Heroes Cup champion Magnolia Ice Cream, 77-81, Tuesday, to a share of third place with Granny Goose, which totes a 3-3 card.

"It was a tough loss," said Toyota Otis coach Louie Alas referring to their recent loss where they climbed from 16 points down in the third quarter only to lose focus in the stretch.

"We just hope to learn from it and play harder than before," he added.

The Snack Masters, on the other hand, hope to ride on the crest of their stunning 62-61 triumph over the Painters before the Lenten break.

"If we can play like that again, we’ll have a chance against Toyota Otis," said Granny Goose mentor Robert Sison.

All eyes are expected to focus on Kelvin dela Pena, who banged in a floater over the outstretched arms of 6’10" Samigue Eman with less than a second to go that sealed the win.

"Although he’s still new to the team, he has already contributed to the team in so many ways," said Sison of the six-foot guard who played high school ball in Calgary, Canada before going to Mapua last year.

Meanwhile, former La Salle standout TY Tang will return to the league, this time suiting up for TeleTech against Hapee Toothpaste-PCU at 2 p.m.

Tang, a diminutive but lightning quick guard, is expected to provide stability to the Titans’ backcourt having taken part of La Salle’s two UAAP championship squads.

"He’s a fine player, he will be an asset to the team. With him, we hope we could stop our losing streak," said TeleTech coach Jerry Codinera.

The Titans have dropped five of their first six games while the Teeth Sparklers fared a little better with a 2-4 record.